Reihan, Shaked, Sun 17.6.12, Morning

North, 17.6.2012

Translation: Bracha B.A.

7:00-7:50 Shaked – Tura Checkpoint                        

The main gate to the checkpoint is open, but the gate to the new sleeve is still locked.  We hear through the communication device that soldiers on the other side of the checkpoint are busy checking the gate. 

At 07:12 the gate for pedestrians opens.  Three young men pass through.  One of them works at the petrol station in Yaabed, which is not far from Tura, but has to make a long detour because of the fence.

At 07:15 a herd of goats crosses the checkpoint going towards the tobacco fields.

At 07:20 the first worker going to the West Bank arrives, and says that a soldier in the inspection facility is learning how to use the computer, and people are consequently coming out sporadically.   The driver who is waiting for them is getting impatient ans asks "Shu muskila?"  (What's the problem?) over and over.   

At 07:43 the last two people finally come out. There is still a small group of people sitting on the ground, waiting.

08:00 – 08:45 – Reihan Barta'a Checkpoint

The parking lot on the Palestinian side is almost full.  Despite the crowded parking lot the places reserved for buses are still empty since private cars don't park there. There is a new shed in front of the entrance to the terminal which the locals say has been there for a long time.   We drink coffee and watch meat imported from Australia being unloaded from a refrigerated truck to a tender.  We ask how long the meat will remain outside in the heat.   The answer we receive is, "At least five hours.  That's because of your democracy.  They say there is democracy in Israel, right?"