Hebron (Al-Khalil): A City Divided
Hebron, known in Arabic as Al-Khalil, is a city of profound historical, religious, and cultural significance in Palestine. Located in the southern part of the West Bank, Hebron is home to the Ibrahimi Mosque, one of the holiest sites for both Muslims and Jews, where the tombs of the biblical figures Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are believed to lie. It is a city that has long been a center of Palestinian life, commerce, and tradition.
However, Hebron is also a city deeply divided—not just geographically, but socially and politically. It is a microcosm of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where the realities of occupation, settlement expansion, and intercommunal tensions intersect. This post explores the city’s division, both in terms of physical space and in the lives of those who call it home.
Hebron's History: A Tapestry of Faiths and Conquests
Hebron is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that spans thousands of years. Its significance in the three monotheistic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—has ensured its place in history as a city of constant religious reverence and political control.
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In Judaism, Hebron is associated with the patriarchs and is considered one of the four holy cities of Judaism.
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For Muslims, it is the site of the Ibrahimi Mosque, and Abraham is regarded as a prophet, making Hebron an important Islamic heritage site.
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For Christians, it is the place where Abraham lived, and the city is part of the biblical narrative.
Over the centuries, Hebron has been ruled by various empires, from the ancient Canaanites and Romans to the Crusaders and Ottomans. Under each, it was a melting pot of diverse cultures and faiths. However, the modern era brought a new layer of division—marked by the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hebron Today: A City of Separation
The current situation in Hebron is a reflection of the broader conflict. The city is divided into two main areas:
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H1 Area: Under Palestinian Authority control, where the majority of the Palestinian population resides.
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H2 Area: Under Israeli military control, where approximately 800 Jewish settlers live, surrounded by a larger Palestinian population of around 30,000. This area is home to the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site of intense contention.
This separation is not only physical but also psychological and cultural. It has created two distinct realities for the residents of Hebron, each living under different laws, regulations, and security measures.
The Impact of Israeli Settlements
The settler presence in Hebron has played a central role in dividing the city. Since 1967, when Israel occupied the West Bank, Jewish settlers have moved into Hebron’s Old City. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, but the Israeli government has supported them. The presence of settlers in the heart of Hebron has led to frequent clashes between settlers and Palestinians, with incidents ranging from violent attacks to settler-controlled checkpoints that severely restrict Palestinian movement.
Palestinians living in H2 face a daily reality of curfews, closures, and harassment. The streets that were once bustling with life are now eerily silent, as large portions of the Old City have been closed off to Palestinians. Many businesses have been forced to close, and the old marketplaces, once vibrant with activity, are now empty.
For Palestinians in H1, the situation is also fraught with challenges. While they do not face the same level of restriction as those in H2, they still live under the constant threat of Israeli military incursions, settler violence, and frequent roadblocks that limit their ability to travel freely to other parts of the West Bank.
The Ibrahimi Mosque: A Sacred Site at the Center of the Conflict
The Ibrahimi Mosque is the beating heart of the conflict in Hebron. It is revered by both Muslims and Jews, making it a flashpoint for tensions. The mosque has been the site of several violent incidents, the most infamous of which was the 1994 massacre, when a Jewish settler, Baruch Goldstein, opened fire on Palestinian worshippers, killing 29 and wounding dozens more.
Since then, the mosque has been divided in a way that reflects the city’s broader division. One side is designated for Muslim worshippers, and the other for Jewish worshippers. The Israeli military controls access to the site, and Palestinians face significant restrictions when trying to pray there.
This division of the mosque is emblematic of the separation that defines Hebron today: two peoples, two systems, and two sets of rules, coexisting in a city that was once unified by faith and history.
Life in Divided Hebron: A Daily Struggle
For Palestinians in Hebron, the division of the city has turned everyday life into a constant struggle. The presence of Israeli settlers and soldiers has led to a climate of fear and violence. Palestinian children walk past armed soldiers and settlers as they make their way to school, and Palestinian families are subjected to frequent searches, detentions, and home demolitions.
Hebron's Old City is filled with empty storefronts and shuttered businesses, as Palestinians who once thrived in this bustling marketplace have been forced to leave due to Israeli policies that restrict access and movement. The Israeli military has set up checkpoints on every corner, and Palestinian pedestrians often face humiliating searches.
But despite these challenges, the people of Hebron continue to resist in quiet yet powerful ways:
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They maintain their cultural practices.
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They hold on to their businesses and homes.
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They continue to worship at the Ibrahimi Mosque.
The residents of Hebron are committed to surviving, and often thriving, under the most difficult circumstances.
Hebron's Role in the Palestinian Struggle
Hebron is not just a city—it is a symbol of the broader Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination. It is a city that embodies both the pain of occupation and the hope of resistance.
Hebron’s story is a reflection of Palestine itself: a place of ancient history, profound significance, and relentless struggle. Its division is a microcosm of the larger divide between Israel and Palestine, between those who live in freedom and those who are denied it.
Conclusion: A City Seeking Unity and Justice
Hebron’s future remains uncertain, and its residents continue to live in a state of constant tension and division. Yet, there is a shared hope that one day, this sacred city can be reunited, and the walls of separation can come down. Until then, the people of Hebron will continue to fight for their rights, for their freedom, and for a city that reflects the best of their history, culture, and faith.
Hebron is a city divided—but it is also a city united in its resolve to remain steadfast, to resist, and to hold onto the dreams of a better tomorrow.
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