Huwwara Checkpoint, Nablus

During last week’s travels through the West Bank, one of the most enduring images that has remained was the situation at the Huwwara Checkpoint south of Nablus on the eve of Yom Kippur.

Notorious for its extensive harrassment of Palestinians attempting to travel to and from Nablus (including students simply commuting to school), the Checkpoint has regularly been the scene of violent clashes between the IDF, resistance fighters (including the Al Aqsa Martyr’s Brigade), and peaceful residents trying simply to gain access to see family or loved ones living on either side of the border.

The queues lack any sense of order, designed simply to harass and dehumanize the Palestinians who in many cases can wait up to 10 hours to cross the checkpoint. Students are forced to do this daily (!) and many never reach their classes for days on end.

As the sun began to set last Wednesday evening, we became increasingly concerned our group would suffer the same fate as the hundreds of Palestinians herded in and around the security fence. Although fearful, I marveled at the calm - the dignity -  that remained within a people who are forced to endure this treatment every day of their lives. At the last moment, given our International passports, we were whisked away and across the checkpoint - the feeling of guilt and privilege remaining with me even today.

The friction at the checkpoint last Wednesday was palpable. It is not therefore surprising to read today of two reports of Israeli violence at the Huwwara Checkpoint - both within the last 48 hours. According to the International Middle East Centre, a 20-year old Palestinian boy was shot on Tuesday evening at Huwwara simply for approaching the soldiers in frustration at his daily commute and ongoing harassment by the IDF. According to the site:

Adham Shihadeh, 20, began walking through the crossing, and did not stop when Israeli soldiers shouted at him. The soldiers then began firing live rounds at the young man, injuring him in the foot.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Last night (Wednesday evening) the IMEU reported that a 16-year old boy was beaten and detained by the IDF, again, for being ’suspected’ of carrying a knife (in other words - for no apparent reason).

This has not been an exceptional week. This is every week.

And as we must always point out, this situation continues in flagrant violation of International Law (UN Resolution 242).

This is Huwwara. This is life in Nablus. This is Palestine.