Reihan, Shaked, Sat 21.4.12, Morning

Date: 21/04/2012 ,Morning

Observers: Shula N., Noah L. (reporting)

Shaked

Shaked (Tura) Checkpoint is located on the separation fence and near the Palestinian villages of Tura and Dahar el-Malh and the settlement of Shaked. The checkpoint opens twice a day for a total of 10 hours. The transients are schoolchildren from the "seam zoon" who learn in West Bank educational institutions, farmers from both sides of the separation fence who have been cut off from their lands, pedestrians and vehicles. The names of those entitled to pass here are on lists held by the soldiers.
Since 2008 taxis and private cars with permits are allowed to pass from the West Bank to the Seam Zone and back.

Close description

0730-0800- Tura-Shaked

The checkpoint and its surroundings appear to be under construction. We thought it was time to dismantle the checkpoint but on the ground the picture seems just the opposite.

Traffic streams along in both directions with no delays. Pedestrians, vehicles and even a horse and its rider.

We are told that at around 07:00 traffic was heavy and people had to wait almost half an hour. At this time everything is open.

A truck loaded with small tobacco sidlings. The cultivated fields are waiting to be planted.

0810-0900 Barta'a-Reihan

Here too the momentum of renovation continues: along and above each sleeve's entrance a plastic roof was installed, new plants were planted, and paintings of country landscape cover the western side of the wall of the parking area.

It seems that traffic streams along smoothly on both side, there are no detainees sitting on the bench at the entrance to the terminal. Despite that people do report of people delayed inside "due to the machines". Apparently the body screening machines delays the passage.

On the way back we brought Marie and Amjad to the Physical Therapy clinic in Um-el-Fachem.