Since 2001 we have observed dozens of army checkpoints on paved and unpaved roads in the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and along the Separation Fence; Civil Administration offices which grant permits to Palestinians; and military courts trying Palestinian prisoners. We stand at the checkpoints observing the behavior of soldiers and Palestinians without interfering, intervening only when soldiers behave offensively to Palestinians. Then we try to speak to the soldiers themselves or telephone...

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By:

Deir Sharaf, Jit, Shave Shomron, Mon 1.2.10, Morning

Date: 01/02/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Niva D., Ronny S. (reporting) trans. Judith Green

Beit Furik

east of Nablus at junction of Route 557 (apartheid road forbidden to Palestinians, leading to Itamar and Elon Moreh), and Route 5487. Checkpoint has operated since 2001, seemingly serving residents of Beit Furik and Beit Dajan. In practice it only serves the residents of the settlements. One of the three permanent checkpoints that close off Nablus, together with Huwwara and Beit Iba.

Close description

9:30
No soldiers at the J'at junction. We decided to check what was happening at the blockage to the village of Sarra, as the "no entrance" sign which was there in the past has disappeared for a while. We found a dirt and boulder blockage and no way through. We turned around and came back. A military jeep stopped us and ask if everything was all right. We answered that everything was fine, except for the blockage.

9:40
A lot of beautiful "termus" flowers on the way. The "barrels" checkpoint was open, free entrance and no soldiers. We went in the direction of Shavei Shomron to see what was happening on the road to Jenin. It is still undergoing repair for another 4 months, and then it will perhaps be open to everyone.

Also on our way back, the "barrels" checkpoint was empty and traffic was going through freely.