'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

15:45 – A’anin Checkpoint

The checkpoint opened late.

The front gate was open, and about 30 men were waiting for the inner to open, which were due to open at any moment. Another large group of workers arrived at 16:15.  Someone pointed to the dentist from the village who had worked during the day in his clinic in Barta’a and in the evening in the clinic in A’anin. At 16:20 we called the Liaison Coordination Office and we were told that there had been a security incident and that the soldiers were consequently late.  Meanwhile, three more tractors arrived carrying men and women.  A vehicle from the Liaison Coordination Office drove quickly by on the security road.   

At 16:45 people were still waiting.  It grew cold and people lit small campfires to keep warm.  We spoke to the Liaison and Coordination Office again and were told politely that the security incident was serious enough to justify the delay.

At 17:12 a silver van arrived and several soldiers got out.  The patient, polite residents of A’anin applauded.   The gates opened and the soldiers allowed everyone to approach and cross. 

We boarded one of the tractors and entered the center of the checkpoint.   The soldiers, who were surprised, complained to us that they had been brought from Mevo Dotan far away.  Their commander, a lieutenant, demanded that we leave.   Everyone crossed quickly and disappeared into the darkness.  We left at 17:25.

17:30 -  Tura – Shaked Checkpoint

To our great disappointment, the street lights that were installed along the road many months ago near Hirbet Al Radia with its 10 unrecognized homes without electricity – were not working.  On the other hand, there was plenty of light around the army base at the junction leading to Shaked and Hinanit and the junction was also well-lit with expensive streetlights. A woman and six children who had crossed the checkpoint on foot were waiting for the father and husband who had crossed with their car.   They got in and we left for Barta’a Checkpoint.

Barta’a Checkpoint 17:50

The new turnstiles are narrow and it is difficult to get through if people are carrying large items.   Many workers were still returning from work.  The leave for work before dawn and return after sunset.  There were still many cars parked in the back parking lot west of the new fenced-in area.   People complained that the turnstiles are narrow and it is difficult to get through when they are carrying large belongings, but there is no alternative entrance.  Others spoke to Elia about obtaining permits.