'Awarta, Beit Furik, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Tue 20.10.09, Afternoon
Translator: Charles K.
13:20 We passed the Shomron gate.
13:40 Za’tara junction checkpoint: No detainees
in the parking lot. 8 cars on line. Inspection is quick.
13:50 Huwwara:
The parking lot is empty, as is the checkpoint for people going through on foot in both directions.
A truck going toward Nablus was being inspected at the vehicle checkpoint when we arrived. A Ford Transit loaded with merchandise isn’t allowed through. In response to our question, the soldier said they aren’t able to inspect such a big load and the vehicle was sent to Awarta. Not, of course, via the apartheid road… When we told them that there aren’t any inspections at Awarta they explained that here at Huwwara they’re supposed to carry out inspections; “Let them do what they want there.” The well-known military logic. Cars are inspected randomly (every 8-10 vehicles). Cars being inspected are pulled over to the side of the crossing. Documents are taken, and returned within a few minutes, while other cars continue through. A pickup truck with Israeli plates is detained, inspected and continues.
The biblical placard is gone!!
14:20 Awarta:
Trucks go through. Each has its documents inspected for a few minutes. Trucks entering Nablus cross without being inspected. Traffic isn’t heavy.
14:30 Beit Furik:
Nothing to report. While we’re sitting in the car and observing, parked on the northeast side of the road to Alon Moreh (which, by the way, has been very impressively upgraded!), opposite the checkpoint, the commander motions to us and asks that we not park in the area of the checkpoint. Our visit gave him an opportunity to engage in a military operation.
15:30 Za’tara junction checkpoint: 15 cars going south wait at the crossing, with no apparent problems.
15:40 The roadblock at the entrance to Zeita village:
The entrance has been blocked for almost two years, and this ugly blockade only gets wider and higher. The taxi drivers complain about the long detour they’re forced to make. They also complain about the police who’re observing them from a distance, and in general… We asked whether the head of the village filed a complaint; they said that about a year and a half ago a complaint was filed but the court kept the roadblock in place, apparently for Israel’s security.
Bottom line: The army of occupation’s annoying presence at the checkpoints, the junctions and on the roads, without obvious injustice or drama (other than the despicable story of Zeita village).