Beit Furik, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Wed 30.7.08, Afternoon
Translator: Charles K.
15:15 Za'tara junction. 12 cars waiting to go south.
15:30 - Huwwara checkpoint.
Very light traffic. Unusually quiet. Two inspection lanes open. The inspection ceremony - possessions, ID cards, removing belts - is conducted rigourously.
16:30 The dog handler arrives, with her dog, of course.
Complaints:
1) A man with a magnetic card wasn't granted a work permit.
2) A 33-year-old man, with a family, is detained at the checkpoint for about 15 minutes each time he goes through. Sometimes he isn't allowed through at all. He were told that his name appears on the list - he has no idea what list, and why.
A second man, aged 42, works for the Palestinian police, is detained every day when he goes through the checkpoint. He was released a month ago from nine months of administrative detention. Since his release, his name comes up as someone who is wanted, and he's stopped every day on his way back from work in Nablus. He lives in Huwwara. He's usually detained from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. He has 11 children and is ill - a chronic headache affecting one half of his head.
The DCO representative was at the checkpoint today, and announced to all the people selling goods that from tomorrow no stands will be permitted.
17:30 Beit Furik checkpoint.
Very light traffic. Few people and cars. Quiet.
The graffiti on the concrete - "Death to Arabs," is still there and visible.
17:15 We left