Nablus

Closure on Nablus. Women pass, men only
if over 35 or with permits. Queues are relatively acceptable.
Soldiers act by the rules, shouting to those who can't pass:
"irja" (back). Ambulances pass quickly. Water on both
sides of the checkpoint is disconnected. The officer in charge
promises to take care of it. South: The commander speaks Arabic. He
refused to give his name. He let pass a man with a broken toe.
Later, he detained a young man who tried to pass several times,
apparently with forged papers, and who laughed at him. After our
intervention, he let him sit in the shade. North: The commander let
pass a family, through the husband and his brother were under 35
and without permits. The presence of two little children seemed to
help. One soldier, checking a bag, found a Russian book, and
started talking with the Palestinian in Russian. Immediately, the
tone changed completely and the Palestinian was let
through.