AL-KHALIL, (PIC)-- Israeli soldiers hindered tour of members of European Parliament in Old city of al-Khalil, in the southern West Bank, and detained a number of Palestinian activists who accompanied the MPs during their tour.

A statement by "Youth Against Settlements" group reported that Israeli soldiers impeded on Monday the MEPs' tour in al-Khalil through detaining their two companions; Issa Amro, coordinator of the "Youth Against settlements", and activist Mohammed Zughayar, at the entrance to Shuhada Street downtown. Both of them were released later on, and were prevented from entering Shuhada Street, closed since 18 years.

European delegation's members, representing European Free Alliance Group (EFA) were able to see for themselves the tragic situation of Palestinian citizens in al-Khalil and the apartheid policies against them in Old City and Shuhada Street as well as the daily attacks and practices, designed to deport the indigenous people and to Judaize the city.

The delegation, which arrived to Palestine in cooperation with the council for Palestinian European Relations, visited Shuhada Street, the Ibrahimi Mosque and the Old City, and saw the suffering of Cordoba primary school's students, facing daily searches, arrests and frequent settlers attacks.