Beit Iba and Sarra – Wednesday 21.4.04 Orit B., Michal P., Edna K., Ada R., Anat G., Shira H,.Dafna B. Summary: The terrible Sarra CP is closed to on coming and outgoing pedestrians (from Nablus) Only inhabitants of the surrounding villages of Sarra and till can go through. Those who are not aware of the regulation, which, we are told, is permanent as of now, are sent by foot, since there are no taxis, via Beit Iba – 15 km. distance. Beit Ibba: – those coming from Nablus encounter metal detectors; everyone goes through them, one by one. The bags are place on the side, only persons go through it. Some 1000 persons stood tightly packed, awaiting their turn to go through this narrow passage. Soldiers could not but work slowly under these conditions, no away of speeding up the procedure – people waited 4-6 hours. We could not see beyond the first two rows. Humanitarian cases remained behind, unable to advance through the mass of persons. This situation can end in a tragedy. Women under birth pains, an invalid, a blind man, old women and mothers with young children – all stood for hours packed into this crowd unable to advance. Soldiers cannot identify emergency cases., as they are unable to check this crowd. Detainees, including women and children were held for hours, some since the morning. One woman with her family remained after dark when we left. When we called later we found out that at least she was released, but we could not, make contact with the husband. The whole situation is horrendous.