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...
Deir Sharaf, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Mon 15.2.10, Morning
15/02/2010 ,Morning
Irit, Nina S., Ronny S., Translator: Charles K.
Deir Sharaf
08:15 Huwwara checkpointRandom inspections at both the entrance and exit. Most cars go through without being checked. There’s a dog handler at the exit, a minibus is pulled over for inspection, passengers have to get out, a quick check, the vehicle drives on five minutes later.We break for coffee and knafeh…
09:30 Tapuach junctionThe parking lot is full of “security" personnel. A Border Police unit raises a large flag on its booth, regular policeman in another corner, soldiers in a bus halted temporarily, and some dog handlers practicing on Palestinian going by.
09:35 A dog handler with a small puppy spends ten minutes inspecting a pickup truck.At the same time, car permits are randomly checked. Those being inspected are pulled over to the side but from time to time a line of cars still forms, which disappears fairly quickly.
10:15 Zeita is blocked “as usual,” and Marda is “open.” We drive home via the cross-Shomron crossing which is manned by a private security company. The guard never heard of MachsomWatch; he inspected our ID’s and the trunk.
Deir Sharaf/Haviot checkpoint 04.02.10
