Beit Iba, Wed 26.11.08, Afternoon

Beit Iba 

The soldiers behave quietly and with restraint, including the commander who refused to tell us his name. However, although everything is apparently calm, the tension and anger are palpable, and rightly so.  We can just stand aside and apologise.

15.00 Beit Iba.  We first went to see the vehicular traffic.  On our way, entering Nablus we counted about 10 trucks and cars moving quite fast.  We wanted to see how many cars were waiting to exit Nablus. In order to do this we went close to the turnoff to Kosin where we saw two cars waiting.  At the checkpoint itself a bus was waiting for checking.  While we were there a number of busses passed and their checking took 5 minutes each.  Passengers did not have to descend.  Just IDs were collected and checked outside. This prevented the waiting in straight lines outside, as happened last week.

In the shed there were two short lines at the carousels.  Of course, detailed instructions to remove belts etc. so that people come out clutching their clothing and cursing quietly.

Nevertheless, the average passage took 5 minutes.

In the women’s line conditions were much easier. Occasionally there would be a more exact inspection - or an argument with a boy who is told to join the line of youths. But this is also quickly resolved.

The detainees’ enclosure is empty!

A young man comes to the women’s line, looking really ill, tells the commander that he has been refused entry. The commander, after hearing his story and checking him, lets him pass.  We breathed a sigh of relief.  (By the way, we heard the soldiers call him [A]zulai.)

In short, routine….depression.

We left at 16.00.

On the way we passed Funduk and entered to fill up with petrol in Kfar Rajah.  At Funduk there was a checkpoint of 6 soldiers with drawn guns looking for children who had thrown stones.  Locals told us that this happens from time to time.

Shevut Ami was abandoned as was the hill opposite.

Jit was open.