'Anabta, Ar-Ras, Tue 15.1.08, Morning

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Observers: 
Sara K., Ruth C. (reporting) Translation: Galia S.
Jan-15-2008
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Morning

Anabta

08:50 – 09:30 – We arrived in the middle of a loud argument between the soldier who checks vehicles that come out of Tulkarm and an Israeli Arab truck driver who wants to enter Tulkarm. In the meantime, all traffic stops and the line gets longer and longer. More than 25 vehicles are waiting. The driver gives the soldier an entry permit to Tulkarm and after a brief check, the soldier allows him to pass. After that he lets the vehicles pass quickly. Once in a while he stops, randomly, vehicles for inspection, especially cabs.

Waiting time in line is, according to our check, about 15 minutes. Every now and then, people pressed for time get out of the vehicle and walk. They are checked by the same soldier who checks the vehicles. Therefore, their inspection delays the vehicles. A Palestinian who has left the car parked on the roadside approaches the soldier with a question. For some reason, he arouses the soldier's suspicion. The soldier asks him to lift his clothes and turn around. After the "dance", the Palestinian is permitted to walk to the checking point and ask his question.

Lively vehicle traffic at the exit from Tulkarm, but although the inspection is quick, there are almost 15 – 20 vehicles in line. At the entrance to Tulkarm there are less vehicles. Most of them enter without inspection. Every now and then, the soldiers stop a truck and check its content.

Ar-Ras

09:15 – 09:30 – The soldiers are surprised to see us there and turn to us politely to ask what we want.

Few vehicles pass the checkpoint, most of which on the way out of Tulkarm. The soldiers check them well and they continue on their way. A taxi is detained for a few minutes in order to check its passengers. Then it is allowed to leave. At the entrance gate to Jubara from the direction of Ar-Ras entering people are checked: a man in a cart pulled by a donkey, a few pedestrians and few cars. All of them are allowed to pass.