Reihan, Shaked, Tue 29.3.11, Morning

Translator:  Charles K.

06:05  Barta’a-Reihan checkpoint

Five trucks with food products from the West Bank wait on the road to cross into the seam zone.  Two more wait in the parking lot.

We hear the loud voices of many people from inside the terminal.  They’re stuck there.  Nevertheless, whoever arrives is also let in, increasing the congestion.  Who knows what the reason is.  We called Sharon, the manager of the checkpoint, but he didn’t answer.  We called one of the people who had just entered and he, still on the line, said he estimates there were 150 people within.  Maybe the computers are down.

We were told that the seamstresses, who have arrive very early, were also delayed a long time and were let coming out.

06:50  We called again.  This time we were told that most people had left, and only a few dozen remained within:  “It’s ok now.”

(The following day I spoke to the same contact person, who said that yesterday and today things were “ok.”)

Workers on the night shift in the Shahak industrial zone, located between the settlements in the area, were returning at the same time to the West Bank.  They said there’s no delay going through the checkpoint to the West Bank.

07:05  Shaked-Tura checkpoint

The usual routine.  The checkpoint is open, a few dozen people waiting at the revolving gate on the West Bank side.  Pupils going to the West Bank pass by soldiers with their bags opened wide.  Drivers wait to be called for vehicle inspection.  People leave the inspection building, putting their belts back on as they walk, hurriedly tell us, “good morning.”  Soldiers stand relaxed, hands in pockets, facing indifferent local residents, one soldier above pointing his weapon, the sun shining, birds chirping and the world turns.

07:40  We left.