International Checkpoint Watch - Daily Observations

Date:            16/02/02                                  Time:  15:45 – 18:00

Place Observed:  Surda

Number of Soldiers Present:  Initially seven, later three.

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

Jeeps #s 611032 and 610 765

Events Witnessed:

15:45-  Upon arrival, the cement blocks are pushed aside on both sides of the checkpoint enough for vehicles to pass.  Private vehicles are permitted to pass after being checked.  One car passes every 5 to 10 minutes.  Thirteen young men are stopped for ID check.  Jeep # 610 765 busy trying to move a cement block.  Random young men walking in both directions are stopped for an ID check.  There are two soldiers on the hill across from the checkpoint who yell rudely down at the passing pedestrians to stop them for ID check.  Creates confusion because pedestrians don’t know exactly who is being singled out.

16:19-  Jeep # 610 765 leaves toward Bet El with four soldiers.

16:23-  Young man held because he lost his ID.

16:50-  Young man without ID is released.

17:18-  Man led by arm by soldier.

17:28-  Soldiers begin to stop large groups of young men, holding between 30 and 40 at a time at the side of the road and checking all their IDs at once.  Some detained over 20 minutes, but large groupd made it difficult to determine exactly how many.