Huwwara

Huwwara North, South Wednesday, 23 February 2005 Watchers: Nina, Bonnie, Ilana reporting: Ilana8.45 a.m.We arrived at the southern road block. 9 youths are held, mainly students.We were surprised to see that the men were again using the carousels, the women at the side between the carousels and the pre-cast concrete road dividers. There are a lot of soldiers because of a change of units. A Jordanian citizen with his wife (from the territories) and two small children are on their way to an opthalmologist. They are held for a short time and then pass through.9.45 a.m.We moved to the northern road block. Four youths are held. The way through is via carousels (what happened? Carousels again?) 3 ambulances are held for a short time, are checked and continue on their way. Meanwhile another 4 are added to the students who are being held, they are beginning to be restive about the amount of time it is taking to check them and the soldiers argue that it is not up to them, the checks are not complete.We return to the south. The checks here are very thorough and it is slow and drawn out to get through.Our impression today is that nothing has changed (Abu Mazen, etc.) Huwwara will remain in the firing line of the IDF for a long time yet.11.15 a.m.We turn to leave. At the exit from Huwwara there was a queue of about 20 vehicles (taxis, cars, trucks) the ‘respectable’ people pass through without checks and so do we. Those who are held up claim that the road from Jenin to Ramallah (4 road blocks) takes many hours. They say: “What can we do, such is life, we are used to it and hope for better”. On this optimistic note we continue on our way home.