International Checkpoint Watch - Daily Observations

Date:    June 18, 2001                                                Time: 16:30 - 18:00

Place Observed: A-Ram Checkpoint

Soldiers Names, ID #’s, License Plate #’s, Etc:

No Jeep present at first, three different jeeps came and went during course of watch, but none remained at site.

Events Witnessed: 

After confirmation from taxi drivers that Surda was open, we first approach Qalandia which is open and then go to Ram.  Upon first arriving at Ram we see soldiers pulling over cars occasionally; traffic is relatively smooth.  One Palestinian is being detained for a security check.

16:50                We are approached by one soldier asked what our purpose was at the checkpoint.  Team stated that the                                     presence was to observe activity at checkpoint, soldier seemed satisfied and returned to his post.

1655 hrs:            Second soldier approached the team (19 yr. Old from Tajikistan), stated that his officer wanted to know                             whether the team was part of an “organization.”  Team stated that it was not part of any formal organization,                              were concerned citizens.  Soldier stated that the Border Police had been receiving reports that they should                                     be alert for an “organization” engaged in monitoring checkpoint activity.  ICW needs to determine response, if                   deemed an organization could the Israelis take legal action?

1700 hrs:            Detained second Palestinian

1705 hrs:            Soldiers began routine stopping of incoming (to Ramallah) and outgoing (to Jerusalem) traffic.  Mainly                            checked Ids, not seen to be overly aggressive, focused mainly on taxi vans and POVs; did not empty                           vehicles.

1710 hrs:            One detainee released, original detainee remained.

1715 hrs:            Soldier requested ID from JD Moore, provided with US driver’s

                        license, was sufficient.

1720 hrs:            Another Palestinian detained and released quickly after ID check.

1730 - 1800 hrs:            Soldiers on outgoing side began routine of pulling POVs over to the side of Border post, quickly running ID                                 checks, and releasing detainees.  Palestinians stated this was routine activity.

Notes:

It remains unclear whether stepped up checking of Palestinian vehicles was due to ICW presence; it could also be due to the subsequent onset of “rush hour” (after 1700 hrs.), a random routine by soldiers, or a warning of potential border transit by wanted individuals.

The soldiers showed the ICW team the list of ID numbers they are checking for; estimated at least 500 ID numbers.  When asked what determined the length of detention, the soldier replied it was based on “how bad the individual was wanted.”

It is recommended that ICW create further guidelines for interactions with soldiers; the one Tajik seemed intent upon engaging in political discussions, with the ensuing dialogue taking several minutes and creating potential tension.