Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked
05:00 Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint
As usual there were dozens of workers sitting between the cars, on the seamline zone side, waiting for rides to work. We went to the Palestinian parking lot at the lower entrance to the terminal where we met the seamstresses, who received us with hugs and affection. Dozens of workers are waiting to enter the terminal. People were crossing quickly and there were no delays. Crossing takes less than ten minutes. The checkpoint is being run efficiently and its managers do not determine the policy.
A man who works at the Shahak Industrial zone, near the settlement of Shaked in the seamline zone, explained that soon the checkpoint will be operating 24 hours a day. A soldier at the Liaison and Coordination Administration verified this. I did not manage to learn if this was also pertinent to Fridays and holidays.
Another worker who works at the Shahak Industrial zone told us about an unfair employer who does not pay for overtime or for working on Saturdays. The salary is higher than usual for the West Bank, but the factory is in the seamline zone and is supposed to be run according to Israeli law.
07:00 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint
The soldiers are approaching the checkpoint. It will not open by 07:00. The first cars enter from the seamline zone and some are quickly checked, as usual. Children are walking up to the checkpoint on the road between the cars. Students are crossing quickly to the West Bank. There is a delay in crossing from the West Bank and the early people do not cross until 07:20. Near the waiting area there is litter everywhere and garbage is scattered near the garbage container.
We left at 07:30.