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IDF assignation of numbers to Palestinians sparks outcry

ID cards of local residents in Hebron marked with special numbers to streamline security check process, but outcry and Palestinian plan for protest leads to cancellation of plan.

The IDF began over the last two weeks marking identity cards of Palestinians who live next to the Jewish part of Hebron with a sticker bearing an additional number, the idea being that the card's owner can be quickly identified as a local resident when being checked by soldiers.

 

 

The procedure has raised anger among Palestinian residents, who argue that Israel is the last place in the world that should give people numbers.

 

ID cad with number sticker
ID cad with number sticker

 

The procedure stemmed from a preponderance of knife attacks on Israelis in that part of Hebron. A month ago, the IDF decided to close the area to Palestinians, excepting residents, in order to reduce friction between Palestinians and Israelis as much as possible.

 

Residents initially had their ID numbers checked, but the process was length. This led to the decision to mark the cards with numbers to speed up the process. The numbers were issued to about 600 residents who live in the area.

 

"One resident who lives on Shuhada Street told the officer at the checkpoint, 'Are you crazy? Don't you remember history?'" local resident Issa Aamar told Ynet. "We told the officers that we are people, not numbers. We have no problem with a security check, but not in this manner."

 

Shuhada Street residents are planning a protest this weekend in which they will wear large stickers bearing their assigned numbers on their chests.

 

The IDF spokesperson said that given the security situation, the neighborhood of Tel Rumeida was defined as a closed military area. "Numbering the ID cards is a local inititiatve meant to ease and speed up the inspection procedure for Palestinians," said the spokesperson. "Upon learning of the event, commanders decided to immediately remve the stickers, and alternative solutions will be examined in the coming days to streamline the checking process."

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.05.16, 11:57
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