International Checkpoint Watch - Daily Observations

Date:            11/09/01                                  Time:  17:10 - 18:15

Place Observed:  Surda

Number of Soldiers Present: 

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

Events Witnessed:

There is traffic going in both directions.  Soldiers are checking the IDs of every driver.  One car is allowed through in both directions about every 5 minutes.  Soldiers check some young men who are walking, especially those carrying bags.

17:10-  Two  soldiers ask us who we are.

17:25-  Two trucks are turned back to Ramallah.

17:35-  A man driving from Ramallah with a permit is allowed through.  An ambulance passes without being checked.

17:50-  Cars pass faster-about three minutes per car.  Traffic on Surda side is gone.

18:00-  Car with a magnetic identity card is checked for five minutes.

18:15-  A truck is turned around.  No private cars are allowed to cross the checkpoint.