Beit Furik, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Tue 30.12.08, Morning
Translator: Charles K.
8:30 Za'tara/Tapuach junction: About ten cars on line from Huwwara.
Beit Furik: The checkpoint is open. Two soldiers present, who occasionally stop cars.
8:50 Huwwara: Nothing special is happening, nor are things more tense than usual, despite the events in Gaza.
An MP informs us (politely) that orders from the brigade commander require us to stand 50 meters away from the (exit) turnstiles!! He says that the Beit Iba checkpoint commander had a copy of the order, which he saw. We say that we know nothing about it, and won't be able to carry out our task under those conditions.
Y., the checkpoint commander, comes over, and politely repeats the order.
Does that regulation also bind us?? We try to find out, but don't get any answer.
Having no choice, we go over to observe near the turnstile for people entering Nablus. From there we have a better view of the line of people leaving, as well as on the inspection procedures. But we have no opportunity to speak with people.
The line usually numbers 30-40 people. It takes about 20 minutes for a person to go through.
Two inspection lanes are open, as well as the humanitarian lane for women and the elderly. A small crowd forms in front of the entry turnstile whenever many people arrive at the same time. One youth is waiting in the shed - he's being detained.
On our way back - a temporary roadblock at the Burin/Yitzhar junction.
No cars at Za'tara/Tapuach.