'Awarta, 'Azzun 'Atma, Beit Furik, Burin (Yitzhar), Huwwara, Shomron Crossing, Za'tara (Tapuah), Thu 25.10.12, Morning
Translator: Charles K.
“Checkpoints bring peace”is the sign inside the new structure at the Azzun Atma checkpoint.
06:15 Azzun Atma: We were last here a month ago; the construction and roadworks at the checkpoint are almost finished. Today, because of the holiday, only one inspection station operates. There’s no line at all, the few laborers arriving at the checkpoint cross without problems. A group of laborers gets out of a contractor’s vehicle after a night shift; the morning shift hurries to take their place.
A huge red sign is posted on the concrete slab at the entrance to the checkpoint: “This road leads to a Palestinian locality. Civilians entering could be in danger.” The reservists don’t allow us to stand near the inspection booths and there’s certainly no possibility of them allowing us to enter the dangerous village.
The outer gate leading to the agricultural gate is padlocked.
Shomron gate: No police at the exit from Israel.
06:50 Za’tara/Tapuach: We saw no soldiers in the positions or in the observation tower.
Yitzhar/Burin checkpoint: No military activity.
07:20 Beit Furik: No soldiers.
We went through the village and saw photos of the candidates for municipal elections adorning every wall and a multitude of flags decorating the electric poles. There was no point asking who won because Hamas boycotted the election and it was essentially a struggle between the veteran and new Fatah leadership (sound familiar?).
07:25 Awarta: The yellow iron bar is still locked, blocking the crossing.
07:50 Huwwara: We saw no soldiers in the tower.
A soldier at the road up to Beracha. We saw no soldier in the tower opposite the hitchhiking station.
Burin/Yitzhar: No military activity.
08:15 Za’tara/Tapuach: Border Police soldiers in position, few cars crossing. Two cars detained off to the side for inspection, not interfering with traffic.
No line at the Shomron gate; inspections are superficial, as usual.