Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

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Observers: 
Rachel W. and Hana H.  Marcia L., Translation
Jun-14-2016
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Afternoon

Reihan-Barta’a Checkpoint, 14:30

On the way to the checkpoint, we already noticed many Israeli cars returning Palestinian workers to the checkpoint, after a day’s work in Israel. During Ramadan, the workday is cut short.

On the way down to the terminal there are many workers, few are stopped at the biometric inspection, a sign that most work in Israel and are exempt from the biometric inspection.  Few people return in the opposite direction, from the West Bank to the Seamline Zone. The parking lots on the Palestinian side are full, which indicates that they go to work by foot.

Shaked-Tura Checkpoint, 15:00

The first thing that we see at the checkpoint is the garbage bin. The garbage is overflowing and gives out a terrible smell but the soldiers don’t care. During the month of Ramadan the checkpoint is open until midnight to allow passage to people who celebrate with their families.  A tractor, cars and people pass, mainly to the West Bank; the passage is quick.

One car that tries to pass to the Seamline Zone is delayed for about 10 minutes and is returned.  It turns out that the driver tried to pass through with 10 packages of onions, but after negotiations, they allowed only five packages.  At this checkpoint, it is forbidden to transport merchandise and therefore the driver returned to the West Bank side to unload his surplus and then passed through to the Seamline Zone.