Beit Iba, Tue 1.1.08, Morning

Beit Iba
The area of the checkpoint has been upgraded, a pavement, an island and  traffic signs have been put in. There are more soldiers and also more checking zones. At 7.30 there is little movement. The IDs of those entering Nablus are checked against the list and those leaving under the age of 45 have  their IDs checked The checking by the magnometer causes tension. Young people have to take leave of anything which can cause problems, belts and even shoes when the device whistles.

A man who complains about having to take off his shoes is not allowed into Nablus and the soldiers shout rudely at him and his brother. He comes to speak to us but the commander arrives and will not allow him to finish his conversation because "he may run away." The man manages to say that he and his brother have metal in their shoes because of their work. We heard the same complaint from other Palestinians.  We tried to explain to the commander that maybe they should explain the reason to the people for this change in the rules and certainly not to scream at them.  But he says that he does not have to beg them to do as they are told and if they want to pass then they will do as he says and take their shoes off.