In the historic city of Hebron, life is marked by a complex web of movement restrictions that profoundly impact the daily existence of its residents. For the people living in the H2 area and surrounding neighborhoods, simple tasks—like going to the market, visiting a doctor, or attending school—can become arduous journeys through multiple checkpoints.
Golden Heart, in coordination with ICRC field teams, is working to mitigate the humanitarian impact of these barriers. Our focus is on ensuring that essential services reach those who are most isolated by the current security measures.
Community Access Report
We have successfully implemented three mobile healthcare routes that bypass major checkpoints, providing over 1,500 monthly consultations for elderly and disabled residents.
The restrictions are particularly challenging for children. Imagine having to pass through a metal detector and show an ID just to get to your classroom. Golden Heart has supported school safe-passage programs, providing psychological support and advocacy to ensure that a child's right to education is respected regardless of their neighborhood's designation.
"When the physical barriers grow, the community's resilience must grow even faster," says Sarah Mansour, a Golden Heart field officer who has worked in Hebron for three years. "We aren't just moving aid; we're moving hope. Whether it's helping a family rebuild a water cistern or providing emergency medical triage, our presence is a reminder that they are not forgotten."
Beyond immediate aid, we are documenting the humanitarian consequences of movement restrictions on the civilian population. This evidentiary work is crucial for diplomatic advocacy, pushing for policy changes that afford residents the dignity and freedom of movement they deserve.
Your support allows us to maintain a constant presence in these contested areas. It funds the vehicles that can navigate the narrow streets and the specialized medical equipment that can be carried to those who cannot leave their homes. In Hebron, every small victory against a barrier is a step toward a more humane future.