Like every other Saturday, the settlers in Hebron today had a tour of the Old City. To their credit, the soldiers did not hold up Palestinians and allowed them to move through the market- although they had to walk to the side, so the settlers could have as much space as they needed.
Palestinian shopkeepers preparing for the tour. Many begin to close down their shops when the tour starts.
Palestinian children look at Israeli soldiers, many of themselves are just out of high school. For most of the soldiers, the choice that exists is military service or prison. I do not support what they do, but I do feel sorry for them also for this reason.
High ranking official in red beret talking to Palestinian shopkeepers. The settlers, wearing white, can be seen behind the row of soldiers.
A member of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) looks on, as does an elderly woman behind him. She is a member of a CPT delegation who came to the West Bank to see what is taking place.
Settlers moving through the Old City.
Some of the settlers are armed, and carry automatic weapons (1).
Some of the settlers are armed, and carry automatic weapons (2).
During their tour, some of the settlers began pointing at people's homes. I do not understand Hebrew and erhaps there is nothing sinister in this, but I found it a bit unsettling given how many Palestinian families have been and continue to be evicted from their houses because of the settlers, who then later take over.
Israeli soldier holding his rifle, as he guards the settlers.
Border Police officer taking photos of us taking photos of them.
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