Huwwara, Sunday 28.1.07 PM Observers: Noa P., Judit B., Galit G. and Tal H. reportingGuest: Tami B.Tapuach (Za’atara) Junction: empty in all directions but for 1-2 vehiclesSniffer dog and lady presentYitzhar (Burin) Junction: empty, no soldiersCheckpoint Huwwara 15:15CP Commander – l. R., DCo rep. – M.Few pedestrians. Noticeable quiet throughout the compound – none of the usual yelling, loud verbal abuse on the part of the women MPs.As we arrive, we are addressed by an Israeli ID holder from Jerusalem who has come to deliver some goods in a carton to someone, outside of the CP. A soldier demanded to see his ID, saw it, also saw the invoice of said goods. The soldier took the ID for a GSS check, left the man standing without it for half an hour.A soldier ‘securing’ the middle checking line talks to ‘his’ pedestrians: “Where to?” and then mutters something about their destination, such as: “You’re from Awarta? Oh, I was there last night. What’s it like? Nice place to live?” “You’re from Beita? You threw stones at me on my patrol there?” and to Galit who stands nearby, writing everything down: “Fuck, what are you writing there?!” Soon commander R. picks up the goings on and stands next to him to have a hold on the situation.2 soldiers stand at the entrance of the pedestrian path leading into Nablus (where usually no checks are conducted), asking everyone to show their IDs. They need only to see the color of the cover (green or orange for Palestinians), probably in order to prevent entry of blue ID holding Israelis and especially East Jerusalem Palestinians.The soldier at the middle line continues to produce his pearls of wisdom: “If you talk, you don’t walk!” “Let’s go, cell phone, money, take everything out. We want to go home.” “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” Note that his conduct during our shift was the exception, not the rule.Generally, people pass rather fast, having to wait about 15-20 minutes.16:30 -Sniffer dog and lady arrive, checking alternate cars.Makes the passengers stand with their backs to the car!! They’re no longer made to walk away and stand further off, but must raise their gaze… The passengers, startled, sneak looks at the dog sniffing and drooling over the car seats.Beit Furiq 15:50– Observers Noa P., Tal H., Tami B.Upon our arrival we first go to the edge of the taxi park, where the road to Beit Furiq village begins, and photograph the metal gate that the army has begun to keep locked with chain and lock and key from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. We spoke with one of the taxi drivers who confirmed what has already been reported on our network, going again into the details of last Thursday night’s incident when a woman in labor was made to walk the 150 meters over to the other side of the checkpoint where her ambulance was waiting.At the checkpoint – a thin trickle of pedestrians.Just as we arrive, a humvee unloaded a 20-year old man, blindfolded and hands cuffed behind his back, led to the detainees pen. On the walkie talkies we hear that “the blues are on their way”. We wonder why civilian police for a Palestinian. Noa asks the CP commander: ‘Why blindfold him?”-Because that’s how it’s done. The blue police is on its way here.-Why?-Because he did something.End of discussion. Noa calls army hotline. They promise to look into it. Nothing happens. Time passes. The detainee still sits, the blues are still on their way.We leave at 17:00, not before walking again with the taxi driver and taking his number in order to call him later and be updated on exact arrival time of the police.He know the young man.Finally, a word about stage design: At the entrance to the Huwara CP compound – on a cold, very windy day – a fan hangs over head and gently turns its blades directly opposite the Israeli flat. But for the stormy weather, one might have thought the vivacious flag receives its own share of energy investment. But under the present weather conditions, we were left in doubt.