Palestinian babies named after Israeli checkpoints

At least three Palestinian babies born at Israeli checkpoints have been named Hajez, the Arabic word for “checkpoint.”

The first I know of was born in late 2001 at a checkpoint near Tulkarm in the West Bank. The second was born in February of 2002 at a checkpoint near Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip. The third was born in late 2003 at a checkpoint near Jenin in the West Bank. All three were boys.

Dozens of mothers have given birth at these checkpoints within the last decade, so there could be other babies named Hajez out there as well.

Sources:

  • Checkpoint in Tulkarm.” Al-Ahram Weekly Online 22-28 Nov. 2001.
  • Cañete Bayle, Joan. “Un ‘apartheid’ para los palestinos.” Diario Córdoba 14 Aug. 2004.
  • “Israel: Palestinian Baby Born at Israeli Checkpoint.” IPR Strategic Business Information 10 Feb. 2002.
  • UN fears over checkpoint births.” BBC News 23 Sept. 2005.

[Related story: Medina]

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