'Awarta, 'Azzun 'Atma, Beit Furik, Burin (Yitzhar), Huwwara, Shomron Crossing, Za'tara (Tapuah), Thu 15.9.11, Morning
Translation: Suzanne O.
A small change in the plan – a friendly visit to the palace built on the borders of Beit Furik
Shomron Crossing
6:30 a.m.
There is no civilian police presence at the exit from Israel.
The entrances to Marda and Zeita are open.
Za'tara/Tapuach
We saw no soldiers at the checkpoints or in the position opposite the roundabout. There were few cars at the top of the road.
A military vehicle drives through the streets of Huwwara.
Yitzhar/Burin roadblocks
There is no military activity.
6:58 a.m.
On the way to Huwwara roadblock there is a flying checkpoint: a military vehicle has stopped a car for questioning on the shoulder of the road.
Awarta
The yellow barrier is still barring the crossing to Nablus.
We stop in Beit Furik to pay our respects in the house which has just been completed at the entrance to the village. It is many storied and particularly ornate. It has a swimming pool, a lodge for security people and a very large fruit orchard. The owner was born in Beit Furik and his wife (his first wife) was born in Nablus. Their daughters are at home including the eldest who is on a visit with their first grandchild. It all represents a comfortable lifestyle and a good life.
Beit Furik
7:40 a.m.
There are no soldiers at the roadblock and the traffic flows unhindered.
Huwwara roadblock
7:45 a.m.
There are no soldiers at the roadblock itself but now a soldier is positioned along the road to the settlement Bracha and another one opposite the hitchhikers' station. There is something new: the area around the old car park and the pedestrian checkpoints has been cleared of all the weeds and rubbish which had accumulated there. Is the intention to re-start the roadblock or is it just readying the area for the coming rainy season?
On the way to Borin there is a flying roadblock and the owner of a car is being inspected, there was no way we could tell if it was the same car that we saw before.
Burin/Yitzhar
There is no military activity.
Za'tara/Tapuach
8:20 a.m.
Soldiers (not Border Police) staff the checkpoint, they do not hold up the traffic.
Azzun Atma
8:40 a.m.
Because of the late hour there are no Palestinians at all at the road block. According to the Military Policeman it had been a particularly difficult morning because one of the computers is being repaired. There had been a queue of hundreds crowded up against the turnstile which impeded it from working properly. A young armoured corps soldier staffed the position beside him.
At Shomron Crossing the inspection was superficial as usual.