Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

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Observers: 
Ruti A., Hanna H. Translation: Bracha B.A.
Mar-3-2015
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Morning

 

05:45 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint

The upper parking lot is crowded with workers waiting for rides to work, as well as cars.  People passing through the sleeveinfo-icon tell us that they have crossed quickly and that it is crowded only next to the metal detector.  

We wanted to walk down to the lower parking lot and we were able to do so after speaking with the security guards.

The Palestinian coffee vendor explains that he is only permitted to sell coffee, and that he is supervised every day to make sure he doesn't sell sweets as well.

 

Shaked – Tura Checkpoint, 06:55

The checkpoint is already open and operating. There are many pedestrians and vehicles crossing quickly in both directions. 

One of the locals tells us about residents of the West Bank who have married women from East Barta'a and whose crossing permits were revoked after they got married.   Some of the permits were returned, but some, including his son, never got their permits back.

 

At 07:15 the schoolchildren begin to cross.  After a few minutes adults arrive. They are angry and tell us that today the small children are being taken into the inspection room, and they are frightened. From where we stand at a distance we can see that some of the children are being permitted to cross as usual.  Some are directed to the inspection room and some who have already reached the crossing are sent back to go through the inspection booth.  We did not succeed in speaking with anyone at the Liaison and Coordination Administration to clarify what was going on.  Only at noon was I able to talk to anyone there, and they said they would clarify why the children were being checked.