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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'Azzun 'Atma, Tue 26.1.10, Afternoon

Date: 26/01/2010 ,Afternoon

Observers: Nava M., Ruthi R., (reporting), Translation: Bracha B.A.

Irtah (Sha'ar Efrayim)

On the Green Line north of Route 557 and south of Tulkarm, operated by a civilian manpower company. Serves as exit and entry gate for workers from Tulkarm in Israel, and for transit of commercial quantities of goods by back-to-back method.

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'Azzun 'Atma,
When we arrived there was no one at the checkpoint. There were two soldiers in the position outside and two women soldiers in the booth. All were armed.

After several minutes two young men arrived from the village carrying one or two pieces of glass about 2x3 feet square. They showed their papers and went through, but one of the soldiers (who meanwhile had come out of the booth) said, "Just a minute, just a minute," and made a phone call. She waited some time for someone to answer, and then informed the two young men that they could not go through because they had no written permit to bring glass. The Palestinian explained politely that it was not for commercial purposes, only to repair a broken window in the house. Meanwhile the second woman soldier came out and asked what the problem was. "Don't worry, we'll let you through" and made another phone call. You can go through."

All this took half an hour. During that time only one Palestinian arrived with a donkey and wagon filled with vegetables. He went through without any problem after he showed his papers