Temporary International Presence in the City of Hebron TIPH

 

TIPH is an international civilian observer mission. TIPH assists the parties in the normalisation of the situation in the city and reports on their efforts and the breaches of the agreements on Hebron and international law. TIPH reports to the Palestinian and Israeli authorities and to the six member countries.

 
 

Patrolling the Streets of Hebron

Arabic speaker Nasr

Having a sympathetic ear and being able to approach people are important qualities required from an Arabic speaking observer in Hebron. Nasr Altai stops in the street for a chat with some Palestinian girls on their way to the school. She greets an elderly woman on her way to Tel Rumeida and talks to some teenager boys. After several years of Middle East studies in Norway, Nasr Altai decided to come to Hebron and work for TIPH as an Arabic speaker.

— I came here because I wanted to see and experience “the real life”, not only read about it in books. Now I am here, actually walking the streets of Hebron, and I am finding the conflict much deeper and more challenging than I had imagined. Nasr is one of several observers in TIPH, speaking languages of the region. An ordinary TIPH patrol consists of one Arabic speaker and an observer with police or military background. A day of patrolling includes both walking and driving in Hebron, with the main focus on hotspots where incidents are most likely to occur.

— Everyday is interesting and I am learning new things about Hebron and the people living here. A pen, a notebook and a camera are the most important tools Nasr has as an observer. From time to time she is also responsible for answering the mobile phone to the “Arabic speaker on call”. It is a hot line open 24 hours, seven days a week for Palestinians who have urgent need to get in touch with TIPH. Drinking coffee and tea together is a part of the culture in Hebron, and also a part of Nasr's day at work. Sharing a cup of tea means sharing news and thoughts, and it gives the people an opportunity to speak about their challenges living in Hebron.

— It is very important to be a good listener. We want to show people that we are eager to share their stories in order to understand the situation in Hebron and to fulfil our mandate.