Eliyahu Crossing, Hamra (Beqaot), Huwwara, Ma'ale Efrayim, Shomron Crossing, Tayasir, Za'tara (Tapuah), Sat 24.12.11, Morning

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Observers: 
Ruthie R., Natalie K. (reporting)
Dec-24-2011
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Morning

Translator:  Charles K.

 

09:30  Shomron crossing – The checkpoint is empty.

09:45  Salfit – Two soldiers at the checkpoint, which is empty.

10:00  Za’tara/Tapuach junction – A jeep in the parking lot but no police officers or soldiers at the checkpoint.

10:15  Ma’aleh Efrayim – Three soldiers at the checkpoint, which is unusual.

10:50  Hamra – Four soldiers at the checkpoint.  Inspection is quick.  A man told us that the head of security for Beqa’ot, Danny Ashkenazi, constantly harasses them (the Palestinians) at work.

11:20  Tayasir – Six cars waiting for their passengers.  The drivers say they’ve been waiting more than half an hour.  It’s unusual, so many cars waiting here on a Saturday.

We met many people waiting and asked them whether the checkpoint ever allows people to remain in their cars and simply show their documents to go through rather than having to get out and be inspected individually.

Again they say that it all depends on the soldiers– some treat them well and let them through quickly, others are “bad,” purposely taking their time.

Sometimes people are held up for an hour and a half, particularly those coming from Tubas to the Jordan Valley.

11:40 – All the cars that were waiting have driven off with their passengers.

12:30 – Hamra – A long line of cars coming from Tubas.  A command-car and six soldiers at the checkpoint.

13:00  Ma’aleh Efrayim – The soldiers who were here this morning have disappeared; the checkpoint is empty.  There’s at least one soldier in the tower.

13:10  Za’tara/Tapuach junction – No soldiers at the checkpoint.

13:45  Huwwara – No soldiers at the checkpoint.

13:55  Flying checkpoint at the entrance to Sara, with soldiers.  Six cars wait to enter Sara.

14:05  A jeep arrives, apparently orders them to pack up.  They packed up and left.  Crossing is unimpeded.

14:20  Eliyahu crossing – A long line of cars in every entry lane to Israel.