Palestine: Checkpoints along the Wall to be computerized…

Earlier this week, Occupation authorities announced their intentions to computerize the permit system that controls West Bank Palestinians’ access to ’48 Palestine. This move increases the control exercised over the Palestinian population, adding to the hardships faced by workers and further sealing off Jerusalem. These high-tech additions also create space for the growth of particular sectors of Israeli industry, in turn increasing their strength in the international defense and homeland security markets.

Beginning May 1, 2009, a computer system will be installed at checkpoints along the Wall, including the checkpoints that separate villages from their agricultural land. Palestinians will have to register in the new system, or else face the loss of their permits for up to a month.

The computerized system will serve as yet another method of controlling Palestinian movement, making it more difficult for people to access their land and tightening the siege on Jerusalem. Moreover, the computer system is also expected to be used for punitive purposes, ensuring that those who act or speak out against the occupation can be easily identified and denied permission to cross into areas on the western side of the Wall.
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