Siege on Hebron’s Beit Ula industrial zone threatens Palestinian economy

Beit Ula, occupied West Bank – Fayez al-Amleh, 63, scans his factory in an industrial complex in this town northwest of Hebron and reflects on the recent Israeli measures that could cost him his business. The production lines at TB.LOC, which produce security and fire-resistant doors, still slowly whir away. But they very nearly came to a halt when Israeli forces sealed the entrances to the Beit Ula industrial zone with earthen berms and stone barriers on November 4. The measures have isolated roughly 60 Palestinian businesses from their customers and suppliers, which threatens the livelihoods of 2,500 workers employed in the industrial zone.