We tried to report on Israeli settlers in the West Bank - this is how we did it | Hotspots

Key Concepts

• IDF (Israeli Defence Forces): The military forces of Israel.
• Settlers: Israeli citizens who live in settlements in the West Bank, a territory Palestinians claim for a future state.
• West Bank: A Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967.
• Military Zone/Closed Military Area: An area designated by the military where access is restricted or prohibited.
• Morning Tent: A temporary structure erected for mourning and paying respects to the deceased, often in Palestinian communities.
• Hebron: A Palestinian city in the West Bank with a significant Israeli settler presence.

Filming Restrictions and Military Control in Hebron

The footage documents a Sky News crew attempting to report on the situation in Hebron, specifically focusing on the tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. The primary challenge faced by the crew is navigating constant interference from the IDF, who impose restrictions on filming and movement.

Initially, the crew is filming near a “morning tent” erected to commemorate a Palestinian killed in a recent clash with settlers. They are warned by an individual that the tent may be shut down by authorities, as gatherings are reportedly prohibited on the land. This highlights the restrictive environment for Palestinian mourning and remembrance.

Escalating Restrictions and Direct Orders

The situation quickly escalates as an IDF officer arrives and issues a direct order for everyone not residing in the area to leave immediately, citing a “closed military area.” The officer repeatedly states the order in English, giving the crew only three minutes to comply.

Quote: “I have an order military closed area from the commander of the area. Anyone is not relevant and living here he should go out he should go out of the neighborhood.” – IDF Officer

The crew attempts to understand the reasoning behind the order, but the officer refuses to provide any explanation beyond stating it is “the order.” This demonstrates the arbitrary nature of the restrictions and the lack of transparency from the military. The crew films the officer delivering the order, documenting the interaction.

Navigating Barriers and Continued Interference

As the crew attempts to relocate, they encounter further obstacles. They are directed to different locations by IDF personnel, with instructions constantly changing. They are repeatedly told to stop filming, particularly in areas deemed “military territory.”

Quote: “Turn off the camera, please. Military area again. Stop filming.” – IDF Soldier

The crew encounters another IDF soldier who directs them to a new gate, then immediately instructs them to turn around and leave. This illustrates the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the restrictions. The crew notes the IDF’s intention to prevent any observation of activities within the settlement or Palestinian village.

The Settler Route and City Lockdown

The crew observes the IDF preparing to facilitate the passage of Israeli settlers to a religious site. This involves closing down Palestinian markets and streets, effectively locking down a section of Hebron. The process is described as a recurring event, with previous attempts to report on it resulting in hours of waiting with no outcome.

Quote: “We’re in the um Palestinian section of Hebron. It is a Palestinian uh city, but there is a fairly significant Israeli settlement just about a couple of streets from where we are now…the military, the IDF will come out, close these markets down, erect a sort of makeshift barrier and then settlers will come out of their area and walk up the road um to a religious site.” – Stuart Ramsey (Sky News)

The crew is moved repeatedly by IDF personnel, directed to specific locations to observe the unfolding events. They are instructed to film the influx of people and the erection of barriers. The situation is described as surreal, with the Palestinian city being effectively transformed to accommodate the settlers.

Observations and Commentary

The crew notes the stark contrast between the restrictions imposed on Palestinians and the accommodations made for the settlers. The closure of the city center for the settlers’ passage is described as creating a “zoo-like” environment, with the settlers observing the Palestinian community as if it were an exhibit.

Quote: “It’s like weird which one is in the zoo cuz that was all being put up for them. The whole of this part of the city, which is the center of town, has been closed down. And they’re sort of walking and looking into this sort of world that they don’t seem to know much about.” – Stuart Ramsey (Sky News)

The crew discusses the potential for escalation, anticipating possible clashes or the use of crowd control measures. They acknowledge the risks involved in continuing to film, but emphasize the importance of documenting the situation.

Timeline and Recurring Patterns

The crew mentions previous experiences waiting for hours for events to unfold, with little to no activity occurring. They note that initial timeframes provided by authorities are often inaccurate, with the situation extending beyond the stated duration. They were initially told the restrictions would be in place until 9:00, then 12:00, and finally 4:00.

Technical Considerations and Filming Strategy

The crew discusses the importance of using a good lens to capture footage of the settlers as they move through the area. They also acknowledge the need to be cautious and prepared for potential confrontations, suggesting a retreat if “blast bombs” are used. The crew prioritizes documenting the interactions with the IDF and the changing restrictions.

Conclusion

The footage provides a stark illustration of the challenges faced by journalists attempting to report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Hebron. The constant interference from the IDF, the arbitrary restrictions on movement and filming, and the preferential treatment afforded to Israeli settlers create a highly restrictive and volatile environment. The crew’s experience highlights the difficulties in accessing information and documenting the realities on the ground, underscoring the power dynamics at play and the impact on freedom of the press. The situation demonstrates a systematic effort to control the narrative and limit observation of the ongoing tensions in the region.