Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Ya'bed-Dotan

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Observers: 
Hannah Heller, Neta Golan (Reporting) Translation: Bracha Ben Avraham
Sep-19-2017
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Afternoon
Barta`a chekpoint
Photo: 
Ruti Tuval
Barta'a Checkpoint: There is work, there are permits, and people are pleased.
Photo: 
Ruti Tuval
Yaabed – Dotan Checkpoint – 32 cars waiting to cross.
Photo: 
Ruti Tuval

 14:50 – A'anin Checkpoint

People and tractors loaded with items for recycling were waiting for the checkpoint to open.  The soldiers arrived and opened the gate on time.  There was a change that was not encouraging: once again Palestinians who were crossing to the West Bank were having their documents checked after a period when they were not inspected.  Again, we saw a soldier standing with his weapon pointed at the people crossing – something we have not seen for a long time.

15:20 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint

Dozens of women and men were marching separately towards the checkpoint.  Evidently this is a rare sight at this checkpoint, which is usually quiet.  A funeral of a young 35-year-old who was killed in a forklift accident had taken place, and many relatives and acquaintances attended.  People had come from the area of Jenin, Tura, Yaabed, Zibda, and other villages, all of which are beyond the separation barrier.  People complained about having to wait a long time to cross.  The soldiers were inconsiderate of elderly people, and the soldiers and the Liaison and Coordination Administration did not behave appropriately in light of such an event.  The crossing itself to the West Bank took place without incident.  

15:30 – Reihan Barta'a Checkpoint, Palestinian Side

Renovations have been taking place in the Palestinian parking lot and there is less space for parking.  The lot was crowded and disorderly.  One man was angry at us for failing to see to the construction of an awning where people could wait.  He was even angrier that people had to cross in both directions through the only turnstile that was operating which made the waiting time even longer.  The construction work did not appear to be progressing and it is disrupting the routine at the checkpoint.

16:20 – The same man who complained earlier also reported that people had to wait a long time at the Yaabed – Dotan Checkpoint and it is almost always manned.  Today we had to leave early and were unable to observe what was happening there.