Beit Iba, Thu 21.8.08, Afternoon

14:05  Qalqilya checkpoint.  The entry and exit of the checkpoint is practically empty; no inspection.

14:35  Beit Iba.  Two entering cars waiting to be checked.  The checks are done without the dogs.

Strict inspections of those leaving Nablus, including shoes.  50 people waiting at the turnstile.  Students are exiting.

A soldier lays down the flag he received from Women in Blue and White.

14:57  A wanted man is stopped, sat down in the shed and released three minutes later after a body search.  He said that he was stopped twice that morning.

15:02  A physician, about 35 years old, asks to enter Nablus with his mother.  He's held for half an hour while his identity is verified.  He claims that he came through this morning from the other direction without any problem.

While we were here, the sign shown in the attached photograph was hung on the outside of the booth where the soldiers carry out the checks, and later moved so it faced in our direction.

A Ford Transit is checked at length – about 15 minutes.

16:05  We left the checkpoint.

'Anabta:  Empty