Settlers Block Palestinian Shop with Israeli Flags
Translated & summarized from Local Call by baba
Settlers have erected numerous Israeli flags along Route 60 in the West Bank, including dozens in front of a Palestinian kiosk owned by Mu'ein Hussein, blocking its entrance. Hussein, who has faced previous attacks by settlers, stated the flags are intended to drive him out of business. An activist, Eyal Spiegel, claimed responsibility for the flag installation, citing a project to assert Israeli presence and alleging the shop is illegal. While some flags were removed to allow access, many remain, deterring customers and attracting media attention.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Settlers planted dozens of Israeli flags in front of a Palestinian kiosk on Route 60, blocking its entrance.
- Kiosk owner Mu'ein Hussein stated the settlers aim to expel him and deter customers.
- Activist Eyal Spiegel claimed responsibility for the flag installation project.
- Spiegel stated the flags were a response to previous removals and to assert Israeli presence.
- Hussein's shop has been targeted by settlers multiple times in the past.
- The incident has attracted attention from Palestinian and international media.
Settlers have erected thousands of Israeli flags along Route 60, a major highway traversing the West Bank. In one incident on October 6, dozens of flags were planted overnight in front of Mu'ein Hussein's kiosk, located between Ramallah and Nablus, obstructing its entrance and visibility. Hussein, who sells drinks and snacks to passing motorists and lives above his shop in the village of Luban a-Sharqiya, stated that he saw about a hundred settlers, accompanied by security forces, installing the flagpoles. The following day, he struggled to open his business, as drivers could not see it was open and were intimidated. Hussein reported that when he contacted the police, he was told not to touch the flags. A nearby cafe owner, whose establishment was previously surrounded by fewer flags, received similar instructions. Hussein, who has had his shop burned down and vandalized multiple times by settlers in the past, expressed frustration, saying, "They want to expel me from here. I appeal to everyone, to all the authorized bodies, to help me. They are many and I cannot stand against them."
Eyal Spiegel, a 19-year-old activist from Avitar, claimed responsibility for placing the flags in front of Hussein's shop as part of a project to "make it clear who this land belongs to." He told "Local Call" that flags were initially placed on the road, but were repeatedly removed by Palestinians. Spiegel stated that after warnings, they escalated by placing more flags when the previous ones were taken down. He emphasized the location's importance for Jewish travelers who feel unsafe due to Palestinian vehicles stopping in the area. Spiegel also asserted that Hussein's shop and surrounding homes are illegal, though he denied any malicious intent, calling it a "procedure" of the project.
Following the flag installation, Hussein was permitted by the army to remove some flags to create an access path. Spiegel confirmed he removed some flags at the request of a brigade commander, but dozens remain. Hussein believes the flags deter potential customers, making the area appear "Israeli" and intimidating drivers. Since being surrounded by flags, his business has attracted attention from Palestinian and international media. "Maybe the media will help," Hussein said, feeling overwhelmed by the flags, which he says obscure his view of everything, including people.
Mentioned
