Today I was amazed to see a grocery store-restaurant next to the road to Habla crossing.

I was curious.  They also wondered about me.  I explained I’m from a human rights organization that keeps an eye on what’s going on with the Occupation at the checkpoint and the surrounding area.  They relaxed.  They told me they opened five months ago.  They had no problems obtaining building permits.  The only problem is transporting merchandise.  They don’t come through the Habla checkpoint, but via Qalqilya.

A. watered his thirsty plants at his nursery and cleaned the customer area.  He said the soldiers behave well at present.  Although they don’t open on time, their attitude is good.  It’s also very quiet now in Qalqilya.  The army doesn’t enter.  It’s calm.  He said the town was filled with shoppers on Saturday.  He’s used to visiting the Palestinian Authority and the neighboring countries, all the dictatorships.  The ordinary people are helpless.  They’re used to it.  That’s how it is.

On the way to ‘Azzun we saw thick smoke rising to the northwest.  There was no one to ask what it was.  And who in this area is protecting the planet from warming, pollution and other evils.

The old road to Azzun, through Izbat Tabib, is also in construction. New stores are opening along this road.