Huwwara

Huwwara, Friday 22.6.07, AMObservers: Orit D., Ofra T. (reporting)Guest: Orit, Translation: Ruth F. 8:30Za'atara Junction- Two inspection posts were open and there were no lines. 8:45 Jit Junction- It wasn't manned from either side. 8:50Beit Furik- It was unusual for a Friday but the car inspection post was manned both at the entrance and at the exit of the checkpoint. 9:00Awarta- Quiet. 9:20Huwwara- There weren't any detainees and there were only a few pedestrians. The humanitarian lane was open. The parking lot does in fact make it easier for those passing at the checkpoint, they don't have to make their way until the cabs, but it also enables the army a better control over the area with the cabs, which up until now was out of the army's range of sight. The parking lot has been fenced and there is only one entrance and exit which serves both cars and pedestrians. It's like a pen, it is close to where the soldiers are so they can keep on eye on the traffic. A boy passed through the checkpoint and the soldiers suspected something was wrong. The commander found him immediately in a car at the parking lot. After receiving an educational lecture "this is the last time…", he let him head on his way. 10:00Za'atara- A blue police vehicle was there. A truck with merchandise was inspected by a police man. He noted that the whiles were in a bad shape… they had a negotiation over it. The driver got into the truck. When we asked him he told us that everything was fine and headed on. The police remained at the checkpoint.Through out our whole shift we felt that the general atmosphere was one of not causing the population too much suffering. Two inspection posts were open. At Za'atara, Beit Furik and Jit there were no soldiers. The soldier refused to speak with us, but they didn't pester us either.