Huwwara traffic at standstill as restrictions imposed

Ma'an
Israeli forces imposed increased restrictions on the movement of Palestinians at the Huwwara military checkpoint on Saturday, which runs north-south, connecting Nablus and Ramallah [in the West Bank].

Witnesses reported hundreds of cars waiting to pass through the military zone, as soldiers checked cars and identity cards of passengers traveling in and out of the terminal.

The checks continued to cause waits of more than an hour as residents wait to for permission to continue travel to their destinations.

An Israeli military spokesman said the move was "nothing out of the ordinary" ...

For seven years, the Huwwara checkpoint almost completely severed the north-south artery inside the West Bank. The terminal was for foot traffic only, and travelers were forced to disembark from taxis and buses at the spot six kilometers south of Nablus. Identity card checks, physical searches and metal detectors were used to screen each traveler, and hundreds were turned back each day, mostly young men.

In 2009, the checkpoint restrictions were relaxed slightly, with cars permitted through the zone. Full story