'Azzun 'Atma, Beit Furik, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Wed 5.8.09, Morning

Translation:  Suzanne O.

Azun Atma

8:00 a.m. 

There is a new checkpoint, computerised.

A resident testifies that inspection via the computer is much easier for them, there are fewer hold ups.  In his words the soldiers 'are not so bad' now.

We were not permitted to enter the village.

Za'atra/Tapuach

There are some 20 cars which cross without inspection.

Huwwara

8:40 a.m. 

In a relaxed conversation with the DCO man he asserts that the latest easing is the result of the activities and the demands of the DCO and the women of MachsomWatch.

The crossing of vehicles in both directions is smooth.

At 9:00 a.m., a vehicle is stopped for a very thorough inspection.  The passengers, 2 men, refuse to allow the dog handler to check the vehicle for explosives and are therefore forced to turn back.

When asked, the soldier says that vehicles are stopped on a random basis.

A pedestrian mistakenly comes to the vehicle crossing and the soldiers shout at him that he is not permitted to be there.  In order to catch a taxi he has to cross via the old pedestrian crossing and then cross over a fence to the road.

9:30

Another car stops for inspection, this time the driver and passenger do not object to the inspection by the dog. They empty the boot themselves, the dog handler and dog come and check. In ten minutes the car is released. 

Beit Furiq

9:30 a.m. 

The traffic is light and fast moving.

Each vehicle is inspected - a glance inside without documents being required.

About ten minutes after our arrival a soldier shouts from the heights of the look out tower to a soldier below: "Close the roadblock because of them" (because of us), and to us he shouts that we are interfering with their work.  We take no notice and neither do the soldiers at whom the shouts were directed.  The roadblock commander answers our questions.