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...

Join us

By:

'Azzun 'Atma, Thu 5.11.09, Morning

Date: 05/11/2009 ,Morning

Observers: Esti V., Navah A., Translator: Judith G.

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.

Close description

The 'Azzun 'Atma checkpoint has been transformed into a border crossing.

06:20

There are very few workers wanting to leave 'Azzun 'Atma waiting in the wire-fenced sleeve. Two soldiers are manning the checkpoint. A Military Policewoman sits inside the booth. The soldiers copy the ID number from every ID card onto a sheet of paper. They say that, after the rush hour, they will transmit all the information to the computer. In this way, they know, so they say, who the workers were who went out today for work and who actually returned in the evening. Whoever does not return through the inspection point on the way home will lose his exit permit. They feel that, since this is the gate to Israel, they must behave as though they are on the international border.