In the coming days, the IDF is expected to examine the question of whether to reopen the shops in Huwara, which have been closed since the war began. The residents fear that in the name of preserving the fabric of life, it will be decided to open the shops in the extremist and problematic village, which may make it easier for terrorists to carry out attacks against Israelis.
The village is one of the most problematic sites in Judea and Samaria. Two days before the war, a terrorist opened fire at an Israeli vehicle driving in the village but missed the passengers. In recent weeks, terrorists have spray-painted swastikas on the village walls and carried out stone attacks, but since the shops are closed, they cannot assimilate into them and leave there to carry out attacks.
A soldier in Huwara, photo: IDF Spokesperson
Since the beginning of the war, shops in the village have been closed, but this weekend the order allowing this is expected to expire, and the IDF is examining how to act. For their part, the Israeli residents fear that they will have to travel through the hostile village when it is crowded, risking their lives during the war. It should be noted that the Huwara bypass road is in the final stages of its construction and is expected to open very soon, so residents will no longer have to drive through the village and take risks.
"The opening of these stores will significantly compromise our security and may bring back the attacks," the residents say. "Huwara is a village of murderers, and the bypass is also not a satisfactory solution until the end of the war. We have to keep the shops closed."
An IDF spokesperson said in response: "The IDF places roadblocks and imposes movement restrictions in Judea and Samaria in accordance with ongoing assessments of the situation and the security need. The Huwara area is a potential focal point for friction and hostile terrorist activity, and therefore it was decided to restrict movement and temporarily close several shops along Huwara's main thoroughfare, which will open according to an assessment of the situation. To this end, the commander of the Central Command signed an order to close the shops located on Route 60 in Huwara until Saturday, 11.11. At the end of the period, an updated assessment of the situation will be carried out."
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