Huwwara

Huwwara Monday 3.1.05 AMObservers: Shuli H., Shira G., Orly P., Tal H. (reporting)On our way, as early as the turnoff to Ariel, the army has blocked the main no. 5 highway to all traffic and we are detoured through Ariel. Exiting Ariel (Rechelim Juntion) we are allowed to proceed to Tapuach Junction after identifying ourselves as Machsomwatch. Tapuach/Zaatra Junction full of waiting traffic in all directions. Settler cars are not really moving. Only later do we find out about the army acting to remove an outpost in Yitzhar (?) and preventing free traffic in order to make it more difficult for the settlers to make life difficult for the army etc…Huwwara South 9:50 –No waiting line, one detainee waiting with his friend because he got “smart” with the soldiers. First came without ID, later with, things aren’t really clear and the soldiers don’t help clarify them. We continue to the North CP, intending to get back to the South CP in a while to see about the detainee.Huwwara North –Pedestrian traffic moving along “nicely”, but through the turnstiles, and with constant ID checks through computer but everything runs relatively smoothly.Over the CP a new shining Israeli flag flies proud, flanked on both sides by the red and white rattlesnake insignia-flag of the paratroopers division.(We are informed by the always smiling, dimpled O., Cp commander. We should ask the Palestinians, he chirps. They know best.)Back to the South CP – the two detained fellows have been released to go home. Not allowed to proceed to Nablus. Now everyone’s IDs are being checked, but without turnstiles. Moving along briskly. Cars are checked meticulously, and passed on.Two tourists – a Canadian and an American – wish to enter Nablus. Not allowed. DCO does not help. Must arrange permits through their embassies. In the meanwhile… A fellow without a special permit is held waiting, his ID lying on the concrete wall. Shuli watches. 5 minutes go by. Nothing happens. She asks the soldier. He claims to be busy with the tourists (who are busy telephoning), promises to get back to it when free. Then he is free. Shuli keeps watching. Quietly. Now it’s time for chocolate milk. And more time goes by. And Shuli watches. Finally. The soldier calls O., the North CP commander. Reports ID number for checkup. Gets clearance. Releases the guy. “for everything there is a season and a time for every purpose” under one’s helmet.On our way back – 20 vehicles waiting to be checked at Tapuach Junction,southbound.