Irtah, Jubara, Sunday AM, 2 April 2006Watchers; Naomi K., Sarah B., Orna P. (reporting) Irtah. 7.00 The back-to-back passage is empty [where merchandise is unloaded and reloaded so that the vehicles don’t cross the CP]. At the passage for agricultural workers there is a changing of the shift. One of the [security] guards says that today only passage of family members on organized trips to visit inmates in Israeli prisons is being allowed through here.MachsomWatch shifts please note:Generally it is recommended that shifts devote time to the Washington Roadblock – Northeast Jubara or in short to the Schoolchildren’s Gate. One can get there through the village of Jubara or on the bottom road which leave the checkpoint of Jubara North.Jubara, 7:33, the Schoolchildren’s Gate. The gate was locked after the busesof pupil had already passed. We asked the CP commander to let us pass abut he said he could not allow this, so we went through the entrance to Tulkarm – the lower road. At the entrance to the road we were asked by a soldier to show our IDs and after having done so were allowed topass.Washington Roadblock. 30 cars from Tulkarm to Qalqiliya and few carsfrom the direction of Jenin – Tulkarm.A long line of pedestrians wishing to get to work, studies, and personal matters. The checking is slow. The direction of the Red Cross in Qalqiliya is not allowed to pass. A woman from east Jerusalem with a blue [Israeli] ID is not allowed to go home through Jenin even though she has a letter from Hadassah hospital stating that she needs treatment for a very serious illness. A lawyer is not allowed to get to her work in Qalqiliya even though she has a permit that she’s employed by the PA. Five people wishing to go to Jordan have to go through Jericho.We phoned the operations room, the battalion commander and the brigade commander, and within a short time all were allowed to pass, with those who “seemed suspicious” being carefully searched. We were sorry for the woman lawyer and ill woman who received “no” for an answer and had to go back.9.15 Jubara. Few people are here, either because of the weather, the late hour or the closure. Among those passing were Israelis who had been on family visits and farmers. The soldiers said that they were careful that all the agricultural workers pass through a CP close to their homes without regard as to where their fields are.9.30 Anabta. A long line in both directions. Two soldiers are tryingto deal with the pressure. Only a few people leaving the village (cars arenot allowed out). Heavy rain. We approached the commander but he said there could be no easing of restrictions because of very specific alerts [i.e. of anticipated attacks].