Habla CP (1393) Full of soldiers at the checkpoint and guards at the fence

The usual occupation routine, but the roads are expanding.

The checkpoint’s opening hours have changed; it now opens at 06:30. We arrived at 07:00, after it had opened.

People went through smoothly, the soldiers efficient, along with the “guards” from the artillery unit stationed there now to prevent people from crossing through the fence.  Many people and vehicles went through, and even when the gate was about to close and additional people arrived on foot the gate reopened and they were allowed through.  On our way there we saw extensive work widening the road next to the plant nurseries, as well as at many additional locations along our route, to Huwwara, and also along Highway 60 heading to Tapuach.

Habla opening hours are now:

06:30-07:15

13:25-14:15

17:25-18:15

From Habla we stopped in ‘Azzun.  Soldiers at the entrance who had driven behind us warned that it was dangerous there.  We drove to Z. anyway and left a small parcel of items for his shop.  Then we continued to Huwwara.

We drove past the former Huwwara checkpoint to show it to Nofar and then to the village.  There are soldiers everywhere, apparently at strategic points, and there are also soldiers at hitchhiking locations along the way to protect setters waiting for a bus.  That’s why they’re called to serve in the army!

We went to Huwwara to leave a notice on the LEAP office which provides legal assistance to Palestinians.

The notice refers to Sylvia’s team which helps Palestinians banned from entering Israel.  Unfortunately, we had brought thumbtacks that were inappropriate.  At the post office across the road, we borrowed scotch tape to past the notice on the door.  When we returned to the post office the shift manager came over to speak with us.  His son is among the banned and he doesn’t know why.  Of course, we told him how to contact Sylvia’s team.

Road widening construction along Highway 60 and also Highway 5.

I’m reminded of the song:

“Raise the hammer, make it sound,

Build a new road on the ground…”

But it’s happening in Palestine, not in Israel.