Huwara, a Palestinian Town, Under 55-Day Israeli Closure : Analysis

Nablus, occupied West Bank – The Palestinian town of Huwara, located south of Nablus city, has been under a suffocating closure for the past 55 days. The closure, imposed by the Israeli army and settlers, has turned the town into what residents describe as a prison. The town is heavily militarized, with at least seven Israeli military points and numerous armed soldiers along its 6km stretch of road. Soldiers have taken over a large building in the center of town and stationed snipers on all four floors. Israeli flags are draped over the building. Residents of Huwara compare the current situation to the Al-Aqsa Intifada in the early 2000s, but claim that it is even worse now. The closure was re-enforced on October 5, shortly before Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory. This attack resulted in the killing of 1,200 people. Israeli forces claim that a Palestinian shot at a settler’s car on that day, leading to the death of the suspect. In retaliation, Israeli settlers attacked homes in Huwara and killed a Palestinian teenager. Since then, life in Huwara has become increasingly difficult for the town’s 8,000 residents.

Before the closure, Huwara was a busy commercial center for Palestinians in the West Bank, relying heavily on travelers from out of town to support local businesses. However, due to the closure and heavy military presence, movement and business have become stagnant. The town has essentially been transformed into a military camp. Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers live in fortified illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, often leading to closures and militarization. Prior to October 7, there were at least 645 Israeli military checkpoints, roadblocks, and obstacles in these areas.

The closure of Huwara and surrounding towns has forced residents to take mountainous backroads through Palestinian villages to access basic items, turning a 10-minute journey into hours. The already struggling economy in Huwara has been further destroyed, with commerce now at only 15% of its previous level. The town has also experienced numerous settler attacks, exacerbated by the presence of illegal settlements in the vicinity. In February, settlers rampaged through Huwara, causing significant damage and leaving one Palestinian dead. Extremist Israeli ministers have also called for the destruction of the town, further emboldening settlers. There have been documented cases of coordination between the Israeli army and settlers during settler attacks, including the firing of live ammunition at Palestinians.

Recently, Israeli authorities opened a “bypass road” in Huwara, built for the benefit of settlers and constructed on stolen Palestinian land. The road serves four illegal settlements and has further limited Palestinian movement, with settlers blocking the reopening of the main road. The closure of Huwara has had devastating economic consequences, with at least 800 shops forced to close, affecting approximately 4,000 people. Despite the ongoing suffering in Huwara, the focus has largely been on the military assault on Gaza, with little attention given to the plight of Palestinians in the West Bank.

Analysis:

The article provides an on-the-ground perspective of the situation in Huwara, highlighting the impact of the closure on the town’s residents and its economic consequences. The sources cited in the article include Al Jazeera and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which lends some credibility to the information presented. The use of quotes from residents and eyewitnesses adds a personal element to the article and helps to humanize the situation.

However, it’s important to note that the article predominantly focuses on the negative consequences of Israeli actions and the plight of Palestinians, without providing a comprehensive understanding of the broader political context or the reasons behind the closures and militarization. The article also fails to present the perspective of Israeli authorities or settlers, which may contribute to a one-sided portrayal of the situation.

The article raises important issues of concern, such as the impact of settlements and settler violence on Palestinian communities and the restrictions on movement in the West Bank. However, it is crucial to critically evaluate the information presented and consider potential biases or omissions that might limit a nuanced understanding of the topic. The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news can influence public perception of the information, leading to polarized views and a lack of empathy or understanding towards the experiences and challenges faced by different communities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Source: Aljazeera news: ‘Military camp’: Palestinian town of Huwara under 55-day Israeli closure