Nablus

On the way we observed two temporary
checkpoints where long lines of cars were waiting to be checked. At
Huwwara a long line of pedestrians was moving along in a fair pace.
The soldiers dealt with the Palestinians "by the book".
We did not find them really approachable. Two officers were
stationed at the checkpoint one, Y., from the DCO, who was slightly
hostile. We managed to help in only a few cases. At 10:00 we
received a phone call that at the TAPU'AKH junction things were
difficult. We arrived to find many angry pedestrians and a long
line of cars. Two lone soldiers were checking both the pedestrians
and the cars - and the pace was very slow indeed. On the side a
detainee was waiting in the blazing sun for his ID which was taken
away in order "to teach him a lesson" (he bypassed the
checkpoint, although he had all the relevant papers). We tried all
the relevant phone numbers to no avail. Then we changed tactics
("How can the army leave two soldiers alone - they can't even
have a break to drink or eat.). Soon 5-6 new soldiers appeared,
including an officer, and things started to move. The ID was
returned to a grateful fellow who definitely needed the water we
offered.