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), Te'enim Crossing, Wed 24.2.10, Afternoon

Date: 24/02/2010 ,Afternoon

Observers: Sharon L., Ofra H., Mika 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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Natanya translating

16.10 Anabta. Not manned.

16.15 Te'enim. No line and the traffic flows.

16.20 Irtah/ Sha'ar Efraim.
100s of people terrible crowded.
We are told that the last two days have been especially difficult both in the morning and in the afternoon.
After two phone calls to the humanitarian centre and a stubborn call to the administrator of the checkpoint the door of the checkpoint opened and in 12 minutes the line had emptied out.
As a result of a conversation with the workers at the checkpoint we were told that the checking was very careful because of the visits of the families to the prison.