International Checkpoint Watch - Daily Observations

Date:  June 17, ‏2001                               Time: 17:00-19:00               
Place Observed:  Surda Checkpoint

Events Witnessed:

17:00    Majority of cars, trucks, buses and taxis are being allowed through; all persons on foot are crossing without difficulty.

17:45    It seems as if the soldiers are stepping up checks / detention of vehicles, taxi, private and commercial.  We have positioned ourselves approximately 30 yards away from checkpoint on the Birzeit side to observe. 

18:00    A Palestinian woman is prevented from driving her private vehicle through towards Ramallah.  She tells us that the soldiers told her that only public transportation are allowed to pass.

18:15   A United States citizen and his family are prevented from traveling to Birzeit.  Soldiers state that only public transportation allowed.  Yet we witness some private   vehicles crossing in both directions.

18:30    A taxi-van is stopped by the soldiers and all of its passengers are made to disembark the vehicle to have their papers checked.  One young man is detained.  The soldiers are calling in a check on his ID.

18:35   While questioning the detainee, 3 private vehicles drive through without stopping.  One soldier calls “halt” but it is too late--none of the vehicles heed the call and       proceed to Birzeit.

18:55    The young man who was being detained is released (after 25 minutes) and is allowed to proceed to Birzeit.