Rihan

Rihan, Thursday, December 2, 2004, AMObservers: Chedva H., Leah R. (reporting)10:30 - 12:15On the way to the checkpoint, the road is still being paved. It always seems as if there are more workers whom we haven't seen before. At the CP itself, construction and development work is continuing, and another facility is being built.The ban for Arab holders of blue (Israeli) ID cards is still in effect. New soldiers at the site, who appear friendly, asked us who we are and what MachsomWatch is. We briefed them and they were impressed, asking if we weren't afraid to come here. "My mother wouldn't have dared to come here, and my father also ..."From the Palestinian side comes a man with a white skullcap. They do not let him in. We spoke with him, and it turns out that he is from Nablus. Five years ago he had business with a resident of Barta'a who still owes him money, and now he wants to collect the debt. The representative of the District Coordination Office (DCO) at the site explained to him that he could enter only after obtaining a permit from the DCO. We have to commend the (Druze) soldier who spoke Arabic to the man from Nablus and showed empathy and willingness to help. I told the Palestinian that it is not likely that his money would be given to him so soon and that it is worth while to get a permit from the DCO. The man appeared disappointed, but seemed to accept and agree with what I told him.A small truck loaded with plants crossed over into Israel after an inspection. A number of families went through; they had the proper permits. A car full of olive oil containers was not allowed in.A man holding a foreign passport arrived at the gate. He lives in Nazareth. His permit expired a few days ago. At first he was not allowed to pass, but later they let him through.One of the soldiers told us that there is a plan to operate this checkpoint as an international terminal that will be managed by private operators.From what is going on there, and considering the tremendous investment in the various facilities at the site, it looks like we are going to be there forever. We will govern, we will call the shots, we will give out permits, or not.