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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Deir Sharaf, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Wed 3.3.10, Afternoon

Date: 03/03/2010 ,Afternoon

Observers: Shlomit B., Aliyah S. 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: Aliya S.

14:15 Shomron Gate:

No problems. The traffic flowed on both sides.

14:27 Za'tara

Completely open. There were soldiers at the checking booth on the road from Nablus, but as far as we could see they weren't checking anyone.

14:45 Huwwara

The traffic seemed to be flowing fairly freely both into and out of Nablus. On both sides large taxis were stopped randomly and checked very cursorily. Only one large jeep-like private van was stopped on the side coming from Nablus. Several people were outside the vehicle and soldiers were speaking with them. We couldn't get close enough to tell what was happening.

15:25 Deir Sharaf

It was empty and open