Israeli soldiers arriving to Palestinian family house in Hebron. Picture courtesy of author.
It’s a little before 8pm when the text message arrives from Emad Abu Shamsiya – a well-known local activist here in Hebron. It’s worrying news – a group of settlers have been seen gathering by the old bus station (now converted into an Israeli army base). There is going to be another demonstration. Less than an hour later, it’s happening. Settlers have taken to the long thoroughfare – Shuhada Street, that dominates the historic centre of the city. They yell anti-Arab chants calling for Palestinians to leave, throwing stones at the houses of those who remain in the area. Some settlers carry guns, which seems superfluous since they are accompanied by their own armed guard of soldiers.
