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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'Anabta, 'Awarta, Beit Furik, Huwwara, Irtah (Sha'ar Efrayim), Za'tara (Tapuah), Tue 19.1.10, Morning

Date: 19/01/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Natalie C., and Tom K. (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

8:15 a.m.

There are a lot of Border Police, 7 cars in the queue, 2 check points and no vehicles detained.

At the entrance to Beita a jeep is parked at the side of the road.

Huwwara

8:25 a.m.

There are 10 cars queuing to leave Nablus. 2 cars are detained - a taxi and an ordinary vehicle.

The soldiers standing at the entrance to Nablus want to demonstrate their power and start to inspect the cars entering the moment we park in the area.

Beit Furiq

8:40 a.m.

Empty.

Awarta

8:45 a.m.

Empty.

9:05 a.m.

There is a military jeep near the Gil'ad Farm - it would be interesting to know what is going on there...

The Barrel roadblock

9:10 a.m.

There is a light jam because only one lane is open and cars have to cross each way in turn. It has been like this for a few weeks now - this is the collective punishment (disguised as 'security') for the murder of a settler in the area.

Anabata

9:15 a.m.

Empty. There are a few cars but no soldiers at the roadblock. (Perhaps they are in the lookout post?)

Irtach

9:30 a.m.

Empty. Apparently there are no prison visits today because there is no bus in the car park.