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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By:

Deir Sharaf, Mon 18.1.10, Afternoon

Date: 18/01/2010 ,Afternoon

Observers: Fathia A., Ziona S (reporting); Chana S. translating

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

15.30 Half the road is blocked so that traffic is in one direction only. This obviously slows movement towards the checkpoint. Soldiers are present but we did not see them checking vehicles.
The writing on the sign that says the road leads to Area A is covered by another saying "notice of vacating in the near future. Contact no. ..... ." No one bothers to remove this.