'Awarta, 'Azzun 'Atma, Beit Furik, Burin (Yitzhar), Huwwara, Shomron Crossing, Za'tara (Tapuah), Thu 21.4.11, Morning
Translation: Suzanne O.
As usual a festival for the Jews means closure for the territories.
Azzun Atma
6:20 a.m.
During the 8 days of Passover the closure of the territories includes, apparently, also the area adjacent to the boundary area the near settlements and only a few labourers cross the roadblock.
Shomron Crossing
There is no police presence at the exit from Israel and very little traffic in either direction.
The road to Marda is open as are the roads to both Zeita and Jemayn.
Za'tara
6:45 a.m.
There are no soldiers at their posts in any direction, a few military vehicles (Border Police) are in the car park. A lot of traffic leaves Huwwara.
The town of Huwwara slowly awakens. Does the festival period have any effect on the businesses?
Yitzhar/Burin roadblocks
There is no military activity at either of them.
At the roundabout leading to Nablus and MountGrizim there are a variety of posters expressing the frustration of the settlers.
On the road leading to Awarta a military vehicle is parked but, by the time we returned, it had left.
Itamar
6.55 a.m.
Suddenly, on the shoulders of the main road leading to the well established settlement, a new settlement has sprung up. There is a convoy of cars with tents beside them. Bearded men were saying morning prayers.
We reported it to the DCO but they did not sound interested.
Later on an officer of the Border Police at the Za'tara/Tapuach car park would tell us that they are aware of what is going on there. Yesterday there was an attempt to establish a new settlement which the army stopped. "We can't disperse them from the shoulders of the road because they are elderly citizens"?! (I certainly remember that a few years ago I tried to park on the shoulder of the road near Beit Furik roadblock and the soldiers threatened to call the police if I didn't move away from there because I was endangering the traffic…)
Beit Furik
7:05 a.m.
There is no military presence. The traffic in the direction of Nablus is heavy.
Awarta
The yellow iron barrier still bars the crossing to Nablus. The military vehicle which was parked on the other side of the road has left.
Huwwara roadblock
7:30 a.m.
There is no military presence at the roadblock or on top of the lookout position. We saw a soldier at the top of the lookout position at the roundabout.
Za'tara/Tapuach
8:00 a.m.
The traffic is heavy. There are no soldiers in the posts. There are a number of Border Police vehicles in the car park.
The yellow mustard flowers have taken over the area with just a few poppies peeping out between them. A tourist looking out would see a pastoral and blossoming vista.