Huwwara north & south, Jubara

Huwwara Tuesday PM, 28.12.04Observers: Raheli B'A., Hana C., Pithiah A., Lee A.Apology: This report is submitted in a somewhat post-traumatic state, caused by the physical violence of the settlers in Shavey Shomron (see the report by Tami) and the verbal violence of the hill-top youth who attacked us next to the Huwwara checkpoint (see the report by Ilana). No casualties. No damage.13:45 -Jubara: A bright silver trail divides the arrogant commander, sitting on his high throne from the passageway of his subjects who are called by him to approach, to show him their documents and lift up their packages to him. When asked if this seemed to him to be a reasonable situation, he answered coyly, "I am very nice to the people, they'll probably call me a "maniac". And they answer obsequiously, "You aren't a maniac! you're a man!" and silently add, "You're a soldier." When we inquired, we were told that there had been no special preparation for the elections. There is free movement of people, cars and merchandise.15:30 - G'at junction; – a suprise roadblock. About 50 cars, inspections for all the cars.Huwwara South: two young men from England (London) and Sweden, belonging to the International Palestinian Student Organization are "waiting". They don't have any permits, and they are supposed to be election observers. The checkpoint commander, D., allows them to pass, since the observers are allowed to pass without permits. He says that there are no restrictions and no need of permits to enter Nablus, not for people and not for vehicles. He doesn't answer about those forbidden by the GSS.Huwwara South: Oleg, the DCO representative, answers politely: for the candidates and the officials there is free passage, the observers are supposed to have permits which are issued by their international organization. Concerning those forbidden by the GSS: about 50-60 of them can pass freely, if there is no special request from the GSS.