'Azzun 'Atma, Beit Furik, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Tue 25.8.09, Morning

7.40 Azzun Atma. About 20 Palestinians wait at the road for their transport. They complain that this morning the gate was closed for half and hour and there were no soldiers. We checked with the soldiers. The soldier is calm and pleasant and explains that they had a "jump" because of something that had happened (someone crossed the fence) and so it was closed. He did not see this as a problem.

Tapuah. A line of about 30 cars from the direction of Huwwara. It seems they have only just arrived.

Huwwara. It was quite pleasant to see that there was no checkpoint. That is to say: The terrorist constructions are present. Fences, gates, passages, turnstiles, the posts and the sentry posts of heavy cement. The parking lot. But everything is empty and not working. The cars go backwards and forwards with no interference. Some bored soldiers on either side on guard - on the road of the exit and entrance. While we were there no car was stopped. The sight is quite somnambulist and excites mixed emotions.

We are glad that now people are not stopped and the passage is open. We feel anger and shame at the signs of the occupation which have remained. This way everyone can see that everything can return again. The folly and the stupidity of whoever had built all this. With our money and our taxes. But it is a bitter laugh. We are the fools.

Beit Furik deserted. Two soldiers very very bored. Only two sentry towers left of the checkpoint. It is better to say nothing.