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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Beit Furik, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Fri 1.1.10, Morning

Date: 01/01/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Orit D., and Ofra T (reporting)

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: Suzanne O.

A grey, weak morning in a new decade at the old roadblocks.

Za'atra

8:50 a.m.

No traffic.

Beit Furiq

9:05 a.m.

A military vehicle is at the side of the roadblock; the traffic leaving Nablus is light.

Huwwara

9:15 a.m.

A new/old roadblock is being built.

The inspection of cars is random. We get the normal ration of: "Find something better to do", and "This is our land, read the bible".

Za'atra

9:40 a.m.

There are soldiers at the side of the road leading from south to north and they stop every car. From time to time they send a car to the car park. They give the driver perfunctory instructions. At the north to south barrier they order the driver to move away from the car and send in the sniffer dog.

Wishing everyone a better new year.