International Checkpoint Watch - Daily Observations

Date:            19/11/01                                  Time:  7:30 - 9:00

Place Observed:  Surda

Number of Soldiers Present:  Five initially, later seven.

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

Events Witnessed:

Upon arrival to checkpoint there is barbed wire behind which Palestinians must stand while they are getting there IDs checked.  Soldiers generally cooperative with monitors, and have no problem answering questions, though I am “a fucking pro-Arab.”  Did not mind about me taking pictures.

ID check takes 3-5 minutes per person (average). No obvious problem to report.  The officer had confiscated the keys of two service taxis because they were blocking the way and contributing to the on-going mess at the checkpoint.  Monitor asked him to give the keys back to the guys, which he did immediately.  The officer said that he has to act this way (shouting and confiscating the keys) several times a day, as the Palestinians are not disciplined.

Soldiers usually civil to the Palestinians, even though the Palestinians are obliged to stand behind the barbed wire, which is more humiliating. Soldiers speak in Arabic most of the time.

8:45-  A white armored jeep arrived.  According to the officer, this was a car of “matak”(?) (“Connection between Palestinians and Israelis” but different from the DCO).  Two more soldiers got off the jeep in order to stand at the checkpoint.