Rihan

Rihan, Saturday, January 1, 2005, AMObservers: Dania C., Noa L. (reporting); Guest: Shoshi H., an artist who joined to take photos 09:30 - 11:30Summary: Everything (almost) flows without delays. Serious limitations on activities of MachsomWatch.The checkpoint commander, Staff Sergeant G., greeted us with a handshake and courteously explained the new rules at the checkpoint, regarding our activity: To stand at a distance of 40 meters from the inspection posts. Not to engage in conversation with the soldiers. Not to take pictures.Not to park in the parking lot near the soldiers.Not to go to the Palestinians' parking area.As proof of the above, we were shown a photocopy of a handwritten letter addressed to the Brigade Operations Department. The letter includes the statements above (in red) and it further specifies that if the women of MachsomWatch should fail to comply, their ID cards will be taken from them and they will be detained until the arrival of the blue (civilian) police. The letter does not point out the 40-meters limit, nor the ban on photography.According to the staff sergeant, the CP commander is entitled to decide on any order that promotes a reasonable working environment for his soldiers. This is due to the fact that our presence distracts the soldiers from concentrating on their duties. The ban on photographing stems from the fact that the area is a military zone. (True, the signs in front of the checkpoint reads "Military Zone").In response to our questions, the commander said that today there is no closure and there are no special problems. Are there any detainees? (From where we're allowed to stand, we're unable to see). The answer is: "Maybe there are and maybe there aren't. I shall not provide you with any information as to what's happening at the checkpoint."We stood across from the vehicle inspection post. We were able to observe the pedestrian inspection post from a distance, which did not allow us to hear anything unless voices were raised. It seemed as if traffic went smoothly in both directions. All were able to go through, even commercial merchandise (if not at first, than on "round 2"). One person was held for a long hour. It appears that he was also handcuffed. For a long time, both soldiers and policemen were taking care of this matter, about which we were unable to get any information. When we left the CP, the man was still being detained.Outside the checkpoint, one driver told us that people were treated rudely at the CP, and that the commander physically pushed some people. Due to the new limitations imposed on us, we were unable to check into the truth of that complaint.Another Palestinian turned to us. He holds a permit to live in Israel with his Israeli wife and children, but he is not allowed to visit his family in the West Bank and than return to Israel. We gave him the relevant telephone numbers. If other MachsomWatch women have a better idea as to how to help him, we'll gladly send you his telephone number.Shoshi videotaped the conversation with the Palestinian and from a distance we were spotted by the CP commander, who approached us, demanding her ID card. She gave it to him and a few minutes later it was returned to her.On the way home, we drove to the Shaked gate -- the gate for school children. This was our first trip there. We had no idea whether there are any pupils at that time (Saturday 12 noon). All we saw were soldiers and a big sign explaining the new regulations. There were no opening times, nor did it have a telephone number for clarifications. The sign bore the telephone number of the Humanitarian Headquarters. We called and were answered swiftly and courteously.