Every time I travel throughout Israel/Palestine, there are multiple checkpoints that need to be crossed. I keep my passport on me at all the times and make sure that I don’t have anything in my possession that could be incriminating or misinterpreted in case I should be searched (which has happened on multiple occasions).
I have shown pictures of the checkpoints in my albums so there is a basic idea of what they look like. Cars drive through and show their identification cards classifying what category they belong to and where they are allowed to travel according to the affiliation they have been given (Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim, Jew, etc.). There are always multiple soldiers armed with M16s monitoring the checkpoint and cars frequently pulled over while random searches are conducted.
These checkpoints frequently create traffic jams and hardships on Palestinians when traveling to and from work or school. Many qualify as illegal outposts set up without formal government permission. While these outposts are considered illegal by the international community, Israel does not perceive them as such and the Israeli army has the authority to construct them where they deem appropriate.
Israel promised to evacuate these structures three years ago, but one has yet to be evacuated within this time frame; instead, the outposts acquired 560 new structures (mostly caravans but also permanent buildings). At the start of Ehud Olmert's tenure (the former Prime Minister of Israel serving from 2006-2009), 475 roadblocks and checkpoints existed in the West Bank. Their purpose was and continues to be security. However, with tension subsiding and suicide bombings ended, the number was supposed to be reduced. Instead, according to the UN, by January this year there were more than 600.
When I asked local nongovernmental organizations in the area if this was indeed the case, they also confirmed the rising number of checkpoints. Individuals must cross through a checkpoint whether they are going into an area or coming out of an area. What is happening is that Israel will close down one part of a given checkpoint. For example, they will still keep the part of the checkpoint open where people are evaluated before entering a given area, but close the portion of the checkpoint where people would be evaluated when they are leaving. When this occurs, Israel reports that the entire checkpoint has been removed, when in fact only half of it has been disabled. This allows them to lie to the US and international community to give the illusion that progress is being made and that they are complying with their responsibilities.
There are two different kinds of checkpoints. Permanent checkpoints are just that, solid buildings that consistently maintain their current position. Flying checkpoints are temporary and can be removed and placed in another location at any given time. They are used when the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) suspect a specific individual or groups of individuals may be frequenting a certain area in order to take their target into custody or inhibit them from traveling to their intended destination.
It is interesting to note that these permanent checkpoints draw more than just civilians passing through. Checkpoints cause traffic jams and back ups. As a result, you have people sitting in line in their vehicles sometimes for hours on end, but what is a painful wait for those passing through becomes a business endeavor for others. First unemployed Palestinians and children sent out by their parents arrive and proceed to go from vehicle to vehicle selling everything from gum to sunglasses. Eventually, tents selling fruits, vegetables, and a variety of other wares take residence on the side of the street near the checkpoint. If business is more successful than in the towns or camps they currently reside, these merchants begin to set up buildings or structures where they can live during the day and sleep at night. The progression continues until a town actually forms around the checkpoint.
I have shown pictures of the checkpoints in my albums so there is a basic idea of what they look like. Cars drive through and show their identification cards classifying what category they belong to and where they are allowed to travel according to the affiliation they have been given (Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim, Jew, etc.). There are always multiple soldiers armed with M16s monitoring the checkpoint and cars frequently pulled over while random searches are conducted.
These checkpoints frequently create traffic jams and hardships on Palestinians when traveling to and from work or school. Many qualify as illegal outposts set up without formal government permission. While these outposts are considered illegal by the international community, Israel does not perceive them as such and the Israeli army has the authority to construct them where they deem appropriate.
Israel promised to evacuate these structures three years ago, but one has yet to be evacuated within this time frame; instead, the outposts acquired 560 new structures (mostly caravans but also permanent buildings). At the start of Ehud Olmert's tenure (the former Prime Minister of Israel serving from 2006-2009), 475 roadblocks and checkpoints existed in the West Bank. Their purpose was and continues to be security. However, with tension subsiding and suicide bombings ended, the number was supposed to be reduced. Instead, according to the UN, by January this year there were more than 600.
When I asked local nongovernmental organizations in the area if this was indeed the case, they also confirmed the rising number of checkpoints. Individuals must cross through a checkpoint whether they are going into an area or coming out of an area. What is happening is that Israel will close down one part of a given checkpoint. For example, they will still keep the part of the checkpoint open where people are evaluated before entering a given area, but close the portion of the checkpoint where people would be evaluated when they are leaving. When this occurs, Israel reports that the entire checkpoint has been removed, when in fact only half of it has been disabled. This allows them to lie to the US and international community to give the illusion that progress is being made and that they are complying with their responsibilities.
There are two different kinds of checkpoints. Permanent checkpoints are just that, solid buildings that consistently maintain their current position. Flying checkpoints are temporary and can be removed and placed in another location at any given time. They are used when the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) suspect a specific individual or groups of individuals may be frequenting a certain area in order to take their target into custody or inhibit them from traveling to their intended destination.
It is interesting to note that these permanent checkpoints draw more than just civilians passing through. Checkpoints cause traffic jams and back ups. As a result, you have people sitting in line in their vehicles sometimes for hours on end, but what is a painful wait for those passing through becomes a business endeavor for others. First unemployed Palestinians and children sent out by their parents arrive and proceed to go from vehicle to vehicle selling everything from gum to sunglasses. Eventually, tents selling fruits, vegetables, and a variety of other wares take residence on the side of the street near the checkpoint. If business is more successful than in the towns or camps they currently reside, these merchants begin to set up buildings or structures where they can live during the day and sleep at night. The progression continues until a town actually forms around the checkpoint.
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