Huwwara north & south

Huwwara Monday PM, 27.12.04Observers: Miki S., Hagar K., Deppie B-Z., Anat D. (reporting)Again, light traffic and a small number of detainees. The easing of restrictions on passage are in place and noticeable, although also here they are not prepared for election day. For a change, the atmosphere is relaxed.14:45 Huwwara junction: we counted 17 cars waiting.Huwwara NorthIn accordance with the easing of restrictions, the number of detainees was few. All were young men, between the ages of 14-24. Two of them were found on the GSS blacklist, and were thus delayed until further instructions. Most of the time we spent there, the checkpoint commander, A., and the DCO representative, H., spent in entertaining" talk with the usual coffee seller at the checkpoint, Mohamed, who has been trying for a week to get a permit to upgrade his trade of drinks salesman to porter (transferring packages on a wagon). The salesman, a young man 31 years old from Balata refugee camp, is the father of 3 children, and does not make enough money from selling coffee at the checkpoint, so he is trying to find an alternative profession, more profitable. The commander totally refuses and the DCO also has not complied with his request According to the army, since he is from Balata, the granting of such a permit would be a high security risk. Meanwhile, he keeps trying. Perhaps someone can think of another creative solution?Huwwara SouthSimilar situation. The soldiers and the commander, D., are working efficiently and politely; there are 2 young men in the detention shed, who were released quickly.At our arrival, we identifed 2 women from far away who were standing on the other side of the checkpoint (on the parking lot side). At first, we were concerned that they might be "Blue and While" women but, after a while, one of the women approached us and introduced herself in English as an international observer from an organization called "CIPP". They are French and know about MachsomWatch. They will be reinforced on election day.