'Anin, Reihan, Shaked, Mon 12.5.08, Afternoon

15:00 Aanin Checkpoint

The gate is open. Transit is fast and to the point (about 45 seconds). We are told that this morning was also quick, as Neta has already reported. At 15:30, there was no one left before the gate, but the soldiers are still waiting and not moving to lock up. They do not have the morning lists at hand, and don’t know whether everyone who went out has returned. We leave.

15:40 Shaked-Tura Checkpoint

One women crosses towards the West Bank, and a man passing into the Seam Zone tells us that the transit was quick, according to him, by virtue of the white jeep parked between the gates, with a DCO officer sitting in it. He also tells us that there was a considerable delay in opening the gates on Saturday and Sunday, and the small children were late for school. The soldiers allow us to pass through the gates to talk to the DCO officer who denies that there was a problem in opening the gates.

16:10 Reihan-Bartaa Checkpoint

The upper parking lot – a lone car. In the checking hut – four cars and no more waiting. In the lower lot there are also no loaded pick up trucks, only various vehicles and a row of drivers, sitting under the roof and waiting for passengers – labourers returning from work. And indeed, at 16:30, the first begin to arrive. We ascend to the upper sleeve. In the inspection hut – one car. A car coming from the Seam Zone towards the West Bank passes within three minutes. The driver was sent to "rest" in the "garden" but only for a minute. In the entrance to the terminal on the Seam Zone side, only one position is manned – for both directions. Eight people are waiting for one man to pass into the Seam Zone. But here too the transit is fast, and all are through in three minutes. Everyone complains bitterly about the difficulties in the mornings.

17:30 – we leave.