'Anabta, Huwwara, Irtah (Sha'ar Efrayim), Jubara (Kafriat), Za'tara (Tapuah), Sun 13.12.09, Afternoon
15:25 Za'tara/Tapuach junction checkpoint
15 vehicles approaching checking post, no detainees
, traffic moving.
15:45 Huwwara Checkpoint
12 vehicles waiting to cross, 4 soldiers at the post.
Taxi being checked – probably random – all passengers required to disembark, IDs checked. At the same time another – larger – cab is stopped for inspection, passengers ordered off, a soldier checked IDs and sniffer dog and trainer inspected the inside.
Check lasted 5-10 minutes.
16:20 Anabta
No soldiers at the checkpoint on either side.
16:30 Jubarah/Kafriat Checkpoint
3 checking posts active, few vehicles, traffic moving.
16:40 Irtah/Sha'ar Efrayim - Pedestrian (workers) checkpoint
Upon our arrival about 50 people waited outside the turnstile, one checking window active.
After a few minutes many workers arrived and waited to cross (there were at least 200 outside).
After about 10 minutes another two checking windows were activated and the waiting line diminished. Crossing was speedy. From time to time women arrived and the men very courteously made room for them at the head of the line.