Irtah, Jubara, Anabta, Monday, 6 March 2006, AM Watchers: Leah A., Ruhama S., Rachel A. (reporting)Irtah06:30 – many day laborers waiting to enter the checking installation. While we are talking to the laborers, the manager of the [civilian] security company comes over, gives us a detailed explanation of the terminal and his function (already written in previous reports), and explains the limitations (two sleeves, two checking positions – 700 people an hour). You could gather from his words that the place functions perfectly, that is if you don’t observe the crowd crushed in at an appalling density. And if you don’t see the turnstiles that, at a signal, open and the way through is choked by the struggle for precedence in the line. And if you don’t know that this is a daily happening, which dictates your day…Jubara07:00 – we decide to examine the transit from the Schoolchildren’s Gate up to the new “block” on the continuation of the tunnel road.The gate was open, and a command car full of soldiers paid no attention to us, so we continued toward what’s called the “block”: cars were waiting to be checked en route to Tulkarm. Three positions by the side of the road. Each driver in turn gets out of his car and walks perhaps 20 metres to the soldier who is checking. The ID having been checked, he returns to his car. Nobody asked to see whether we were on any list [i.e. of previously recognized MachsomWatch observers]. No soldier asked what we were doing there. However, it was said that the “block,” so named by the soldier, was permanent. All the while we were there – about quarter of an hour – nothing came from Tulkarm. Jubara Checkpoint in the square was empty. We continued on.Anabta07:30 – the checkpoint is operating. The sergeant, commander of the checkpoint, said there is a “closure” in effect, and they are working by “indications.” What’s an indication? I asked. Warnings? Yes. So this morning, everything is on foot. No passage of vehicles from Tulkarm. Only “humanitarian” cases [i.e. medical and special needs cases whose passage is expedited]. Residents of the villages are not allowed out at all. Anyone going into Tulkarm is told that he cannot come out. I asked how long this has been. Yesterday afternoon it was completely open. Why? Indications! Any minute it can all change.The taxi drivers are happy with today’s situation. From their point of view it is an easy day. They draw our attention to Ein Bidan: “There it’s a big mess.”