Huwwara, Awarta and Beit Furiq 12 April 2007 Watchers and reporters: Esti V., and Nava A.Translation: Suzanne O.Between the closure of Passover and the closure of Independence Day the occupation is routine at the Nablus roadblocks.Tapuach/Za’atra6:40 a.m. The road was free of roadblocks and at the entrances to the villages of Marda and Zeita labourers await transportation.At the western roadblock there are no cars and from the direction of Huwwara there is a queue of vehicles which cross swiftly.There is a new regular armoured company on duty who are polite. There are a large number of officers who, apparently, are learning about the sector.We are informed that there is no separation.7:00 a.m. Yitzhar/Borin roadblock is staffed on the road from Yitzhar. It creates a small queue.Huwwara roadblock.The pedestrian traffic is heavy. The humanitarian lane is open.The x-ray machine is now located at the pedestrian lane. Those crossing with bags are sent to put them through the machine and then return to collect their I.D.s. Those driving to the bridge transfer their heavy baggage, which had been loaded on the roof of the taxis, across two sets of concrete blocks back and forth.The roadblock commander, a new Paratroop Battalion, explains to me patiently how effective the new location is.Coaches carrying youngsters on an outing are checked meticulously. The youngsters who have alighted wait around for a good hour and fill the area of the roadblock with the atmosphere of a school trip.The bagel sellers try to sell their wares.The cell and the detention hut are empty.An elegant Palestinian in a new car stops by us after being inspected and complains bitterly that the sniffer dog messed up the seats of the car.Awarta7:40 a.m.There is a queue of seven Palestinian cars on their way to Nablus. The area is completely deserted. We understand that the large lorries are not permitted to come here. Beit Furiq8:10 a.m.There is a new Company here too. They do not allow us to park in our normal place. There are more than twelve cars waiting for the soldier to wave them on.The commander is not prepared to open an additional inspection lane. “It causes a muddle, never mind, they can wait…” Meanwhile a queue builds up at the exit from the town too. The traffic of pedestrians is light as usual. A military vehicle stops for a few minutes and then moves on to Huwwara.Near Awarta.8:35 a.m.The vehicle we just saw has stopped a lorry with yellow number plates and the soldiers are checking two young men. We stop near the driver, an Israeli Arab, who explains that he did not know he was not permitted to transport Palestinians on the road between Huwwara and Beit Furiq. Because there was no space to park, we continue on to Huwwara and ask the DCO representative to find out what is going on there.After a few minutes he reports that the H.Q. has not heard about anything. We returned and indeed, it was as if nothing had happened.9:10 a.m. The roadblock at the Yitzhar/Borin Junction is still active and there are ten cars in the queue.Tapuach/Za’atra JunctionCars queue in both directions. The tourist coach which was inspected at Huwwara is being held up for another inspection here.There is no military presence at the entrances to Marda and Zeita.