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 Furik, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Tue 12.1.10, Morning

Date: 12/01/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Natalie and Elinor D. (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: Suzanne O.

Za'atra

7:51 a.m.

There are dog handlers with dogs in the car park. There are relatively few cars, about 9, at the crossing itself. The traffic flows.

Beit Furiq

8:07 a.m.

The roadblock is forlorn.

Huwwara

8:15 a.m.

A car with no number plate is in the car park in which we normally park with Nadim. The Palestinian driver tells Nadim that the vehicle is new, so it has no number plate, and this is the reason he has been held up. The DCO commander is with him but in the end turns the issue over to the police because, according to him, he is not authorised to deal with it.

Vehicles are inspected randomly; held up for 10 - 15 minutes at most.