Nablus

Further improvement in handling the
lines as well as in the soldiers' behaviour. DCO officer Y. present
and also G. the checkpoint commander. Apparently, they had been
instructed to ease on the Palestinians. Those who follow our
reports know that the two directions in this checkpoint operate
separately, manned by different soldiers, and have different
regulations. North - We were asked to withdraw, because it is area
A. The soldiers threatened to close the checkpoint until we left,
and actually did for 5-10 minutes. Later on, a high rank officer
arrived and explained that these soldiers were new, and didn't know
the regulations. We are allowed to be there, but not beyond the
checkpoint, where area A starts. So no news about Huwwara north
today.

South - Today regulations were that all women were let through and
restriction age for men was 16-35. Men accompanying their families
passed, as did those who had some sort of medical document, though
the soldiers said these documents were "either forged or
bought for five shekels". So the line advanced quickly, women
not waiting at all. Many men who were sent back stood in line again
and managed to persuade the soldiers to let them through. A few
students were denied passage, as university year is over. Eight men
were detained for ID checks, and waited 30-90 minutes. Nagging the
soldiers seems to work. Ambulances and very few vehicles passed
quickly, it is not clear why.