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, Deir Sharaf, Huwwara, Sha`ar Shomron (Qasem), Za'tara (Tapuah), Thu 28.1.10, Afternoon

Date: 28/01/2010 ,Afternoon

Observers: Riva B., Karin L. (reporting) Tamar, Liora, Albert (guests)

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

Translation: Hanna K.

14:05 Azzun Atma –
There are no people or cars waiting to enter or leave. Some time later a young couple arrives at the entrance and passes certificate control while a few children stand near the line that was allotted to them and wait for their turn.

14:55 The Samaria gate is open, the traffic passes without delays.

Furthermore, the agricultural gate is open, as well as the entrance to Marda.
The blocking of Zeita grew and increased in size, making the passage difficult for pedestrians too.

At the ZA'tara/Tapuah intersection there are many cars which pass quickly.

15:30 Huwwara CP –
There is little entering traffic. There is a short random checking of vehicles leaving Nablus, but a meticulous checking of the passengers documents (especially the female ones ) in a bus that is detained on the side. After over ten minutes it is released.

The Barrels CP (Deir Sharaf) –
Many cars enter in the direction of Nablus without delay, we didn't see any cars with Israeli number plates. At the exit one car is delayed for a long time, the driver is outside of the car. All the other cars pass, the checking is at random and superficial. In the end the detained car is released as well.

16:35 Anabta – The CP is manned, vehicles pass without restriction.