'Anabta, Thu 25.10.07, Afternoon

12:40 – 1:45

Anabta Checkpoint

During the hour we are at the Anabta Checkpoint only random checking is done from both sides. The majority of the time the traffic to Tul Karm and the traffic from Tul Karm is waved on without having to stop to be checked.  Arab Israelis are allowed in and out without a problem.  

In the time between 12:55 and 13:08 36 vehicles moved through the checkpoint from Tul Karm and 52 vehicles traveled in the direction of Tul Karm.

At 12:57 a police jeep arrived and instead of staying to pull aside cars and check for violations, the jeep turns around and goes out again.

At 13:37 an army vehicle stops at the checking booth and blocks the traffic to Tul Karm for 4 minutes and then leaves. Nine vehicles have lined up but once the checking begins, the line disappears. 

We met with a Palestinan at the checkpoint who spoke to us for a long time.  He says that prices have risen for all products in the West Bank.  Even the basics like pita now cost what they would in Israel. He told us that he is with the Hamas because he thought things would be better but they turn out to be as corrupt as the Fatach. There is no order in the society, no police, gangs steal and kill and there is a feeling that human life is not valued.  He is afraid that things will just get worst.

He also told us that there has been no checkpoint at El Bee Dan the last 2 weeks and that the checkpoint here at Anabta has been good for the last month.  However, he says that Checkpoint 17 which is near where he lives in Asira is terrible.  He works in Anabta and going home should take him 15 minutes.  With checkpoint17, it takes him an hour and a quarter.