Joining a TIPH patrol
Today, I had the opportunity to visit TIPH (Temporary International Presence in Hebron). Åsa, a Swedish Research Officer at TIPH, briefed me on their activities and kindly arranged for me to join a patrol. The mission is a result of the earlier peace process, and is committed to observe and report any incidents between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
TIPH used to have a total staff of 73 persons (from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy and Turkey) and patrol around the clock. But after their based was attacked by a Palestinian mob in connection with the cartoons of the prophet in March, everybody evacuated to Bethlehem.
Now they are only 38 persons (although the plan is to expand to 56) who patrol during office hours and then go back to a hotel in Bethlehem. Hopefully they can soon move back into their camps in Hebron.
Joining a TIPH patrol
tisdag 15 augusti 2006
