'Azzun 'Atma, Thu 22.7.10, Morning

Translation:  Suzanne O.

During the shift it was impossible not to notice that the military presence in the area has increased, mainly vehicles parked at junctions and at the sides of roads but also snap roadblocks.

Azun Atma southern roadblock

6:30 a.m. 

It is full of labourers at the start of a day's work.  At the roadblock there are two queues - one to get through the turnstile and the second via the gate for vehicles through which pedestrians also crossed.  There are about 15 people in each queue, progressing at an even pace with no obvious problems.  Each person crossing is inspected and recorded.  After the vehicle queue emptied, the gate is closed and only the crossing via the turnstile is left open.  The soldiers beckon the waiting men to cross, one at a time, and they are inspected by soldiers on both sides of the booth.

Each Palestinian who crosses the roadblocks waits on the other side of the road to be collected for the day's work.  Among them are three children selling figs which they offer to each vehicle that stops at the side of the road.