Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

Tura-Shaked Checkpoint, 07:15 – 07:40

The passage is at its height: Many already passed through and wait in groups for transportation. Others continue to leave from the checkpoint with no delays. There is no one waiting in front of the carousel on the side of the West Bank. Until we left, everyone had passed through and presently the checkpoint is more or less empty. It looks like they opened today on time.

Barta’a-Reihan, 07:50 – 08:30

Here is it very crowded. A stream of people exits the terminal, and they tell us that there are many more people inside. Disorder and delays. Those presently leaving, around 08:00, were delayed one hour! (the checkpoint opens at 07:00). Three windows are open, and the passage alongside them is quick. The delay is obviously inside. As is not their way, many are stressed and angry, even those among them whom we meet every two weeks, who usually smile and who are more calm. We tried, with no luck, to count the present passage time, but it is clear that the delay began early and began primarily with those who came first. Until we left, the crowding was lighter, and it didn’t look like there were any more long lines beside the windows.

In the parking lot we met Mary and her father, Amjad, who are waiting for a ride to physiotherapy in Umm-el Fahm. They tell us that the school strike ended, after two months, and in the past four days, the schools are functioning.