RAMALLAH, December 5, 2006, (WAFA) - International Solidarity Movement (ISM) said that the checkpoint commonly known as "Sabatash" has been closed indefinitely for all citizens' traffic which bars humanitarian transportation such as ambulances and medical supply deliveries.

ISM revealed that the checkpoint is located in a sharp bend in the main road to Nablus, a thoroughfare used daily by- and crucial to university students and workers, adding that the checkpoint is consisting of a muddy trench and a few cement blocks to a permanent terminal with a watchtower, walls and two vehicle lanes.

"Although notorious for its extremely violent soldiers, the checkpoint has still been the preferred route for most Palestinians, as walking around over the mountains is even more treacherous. If spotted by Israeli soldiers, one runs the risk of being shot or detained for many hours" ISM said.

As a result, the villagers are forced to travel in a 40km arc around the checkpoint to get to Nablus city.

"Flying checkpoints are set up by Israeli military along this road, meaning the journey can take anything from 40 minutes to several hours. Despite contacting various human rights organizations, legal experts and military commanders, the villagers have not been able to find out why the road has been closed," ISM added.

ISM considered the Israeli measure an incidence of collective punishment due to the village's successful olive harvest campaign.

It concluded by saying that the Israeli military have tried all sorts of measures to control the village's newfound sense of self-determination.

H.M (23:04 P) (21:04 GMT)