Creeps in Jeeps and wanks in tanks

Ok, so there wasnt any tanks today but plenty of jeeps and IOF engagement this morning. We went to the village of Salem to the east of Nablus and as we arrived there was what looked like an exodus going out of the village. Around 200 people and vehicles blocked the single track and stood patiently waiting for the IOF to allow them access to their land on the other side of the military road that lead to the settlement. We arrived after a 20 minute walk and stood with the villagesin front of the road gate and spoke with our contact. The IOF, once they spotted the dreaded internationals, said that no Palestinian would be allowed access unless we moved to the other side of the gate. Which we did. The IOF then said that no Palestinian would be allowed unless they all moved to the other side of the gate. Which they didnt! After about 20 mins of this stand off the IOF eventually they relented and said that only peoplewould be allowed on foot and that it was a closed military zone and no internationals would be allowed in the area.

The rules then changed again and that tractors would be allowed into the CMZ. Which was bullshit but thats what happens day in day out, rules changing at the whim of teenager with an M16! After about another 20 minutes they opened the road gate and allowed all vehicles access but not until the drivers had handed over their IDs and all vehicle regs had been taken. This then left a ragged group of internationals and a few Palestinians.

Myself and another were delegated to try and negotiate with the IOF to all access for us. My negotiating skills have obviously not got any better and we were told in no uncertain terms that we wouldnot be allowed access. We asked to see the CMZ Order and surprisingly were shown it.....In Hebrew and Arabic! We had an Arabic speaker with us and it did appear genuine although with one or two possible in roads that may be aboe to be challenged but the chances of success are tiny.

I must admit I was really pissed off at the stance taken by the IOF, not surprised but the randomness of the changing orders, the arrogance of these kids with weapons and the resignation with wich the villages accepted this continuing total occupation and interferance in all aspects of their lives.

As I was trying to reason with Pvt Pike I looked to where the rest of the group were waiting and caught the eye of another Brit. A surrepticious wanker sign conveyed the current situation and did make me feel a bit better, very childish I know.

Well, tomorrow is the big day......in a small town in East Lancs the big boys visit, Burnley will score their first away goal and get their first away victory....oh yes and there is the small issue of some land being given back to the Palestinians which is bloody amaxing so there is to be a planting of 40 olive trees to mark this almost unprecedented occassion!

La Luca Continua

Ta ta