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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'Anabta, Irtah (Sha'ar Efrayim), Mon 1.2.10, Afternoon

Date: 01/02/2010 ,Afternoon

Observers: Tom K., Ziona S. (reporting)

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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15:10 Anabta
The inspection posts are empty. From our experience the guard tower is certainly manned.

15:30 – Irtah
The parking lot is filled with vans unloading workmen, but there are no queues in front of the turnstiles.
When we approached we figured out the miracle. The posts at the entrance are not manned, and workers pass the turnstile and come out with smiles on their faces.