'Azzun, Habla, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah)
Our impression is that there is nothing new under the sun.
13:45 – Habla Agricutural Gate
The gate is open from 13:00 – 14:00. There were not a lot of people waiting, but there was a vehicle from the nursery.
14:20 – Azun – There is an army jeep standing at the entrance to the village.
14:45 – On the road next to the entrance to the village of Maadma there is an army jeep and a tractor behind it. Undoubtedly they are there to close a road or crossing in the area.
15:00 – The tower at the Huwara – Itamar Junction is manned by two soldiers. There are also soldiers in the tower at Huwara checkpoint, but not on the road.
15:30 – The checkpoint at Beit Furik is not manned and the tower is empty.
15:45 – The watchtower at Awarta is empty.
There is a lot of Palestinian traffic moving slowly along the road towards Kfar Huwara in both directions. Further along the road we saw army jeeps standing or driving along the road as well as in the village of Huwara itself. We spoke with the soldiers who reported that they were looking for a yellow taxi with a certain license number. After about ten minutes they stopped searching and the traffic moved along at a reasonable rate.
16:00 – When we stopped in the town of Huwara we approached a military jeep and asked the lieutenant – colonel who was sitting inside about the events and the traffic jams along the road. According to him, the army is doing its job to ensure the safety of the residents (evidently he meant the Palestinians as well.). We asked him whether their presence only increased the tension, but his answer was not clear.
16:20 – Zatra Checkpoint/Tapuach Junction – There is a police vehicle and soldiers are in the position. Vehicles are being randomly checked. A bordeau colored car is sent for a thorough check for one reason or another…
16:40 – The tower at Kif Al Aras is manned.
16:50 – Azun Atma: About 40 people are waiting in line. There are two positions open. The soldiers are not disturbing anyone, aside from the fact that they should not be here in the first place.