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 Iba, Shave Shomron, Thu 26.2.09, Morning

Date: 26/02/2009 ,Morning

Observers: Shoshana Z., Estie V.(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

Beit Iba

08:15 The Shavei Shomron fence is extremely long and covers a huge surface. The checkpoint is unmanned, Traffic streams freely. 08:30 -Beit Iba checkpoint At the entrance to Nablus there is no inspection. At its exit inspection is through. All come out with their belts on.There are no soldiers with dogs and inspection of vehicles is swift. There are no lines and atmosphere is relaxed. The stream of people who go into Nablus is great and passage is free.Busses full of children are inspected within 5 minutes. An ambulance is sounding its siren hysterically and drives through within 5 minutes. One of those going through, who makes a living in transportation, tells us that tomorrow this checkpoint will be annulled.Pedestrians will go through without being inspected and vehicles would be redirected to Deir-Sharaf .