Shaked, Rihan

Shaked, Rihan, Wednesday, December 29, 2004, PMObservers: Nava R., Ziva H., Carmel B. (reporting)13:45 - 15:1513:40 – ShakedThere are no children at the gate and no soldiers to be seen around the area.13:45 – RihanThe pedestrian inspection post functions efficiently. All pass through except for one fellow whose passage permit had expired.A couple, familiar to us, returns following the birth of their first son in Israel), The wife, (Israeli-Arab) went into Israel a month ago fearing delays at the checkpoint. The husband stayed in the West Bank and periodically, they would meet at the gate.The soldiers are somewhat friendly and engage in conversation with us. As in turns out, they do not know what areas "A", "B" and "C" are, even in areas close to the checkpoints and inside the CP itself.There seems to be some easing of the limitations on passage of merchandise. Pickup trucks carrying up to 10 boxes of olives are allowed through.In general, passage goes on in a considerate manner, but rather slowly, which causes a traffic jam of 15 cars.Israeli-Arab drivers who go in and out of the checkpoint are being treated rather aggressively. The soldiers murmur to themselves and to us that soon the checkpoint will be closed to Israeli-Arabs. (It is designated for residents of the "seam-line" villages).Truck drivers (without merchandise) cannot go through. One of them turns around and his papers are confiscated and he is detained by the CP commander, who suspects his papers are forged.Again and again we are requested to stay away, for our own safety. This is because this morning, two soldiers were wounded from shooting in east Baka.