Mladenov calls on Israel to lift Hebron travel restrictions

UN Envoy to the Middle East Nickolay Mladenov calls on Israel to lift all travel and movement restrictions currently imposed on Palestinian residents of Hebron.

Mladenov says during a press conference with Hebron governor Kamal Hamid that it is “regrettable” that 5,000 Palestinian students have a hard time getting to school and that stores and businesses in the West Bank city are shuttered.

Hebron, Mladenov says according to a report on Israel Radio, has become a ghost town.

Mladenov arrived in Hebron to see from up close how the town and its economy can be helped. He called on all sides to condemn violence, stop incitement and lower tension, so that negotiations on a two-state solution can resume, Israel Radio reports.

The Palestinians recently announced that Hebron was the “capital of Palestinian fury.” Many of the attackers in recent weeks hailed from Hebron, after the focal point of attacks moved from East Jerusalem.