Reihan, Shaked, Sun 28.2.10, Morning

Date: 28/02/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Hana H., Rutie T.

Reihan

Reihan (Bartaa) Checkpoint allows transit only to vehicles and pedestrians holding transit permits appropriate to the place. The checkpoint is located on the separation fence, east of East Bartaa, and is supposed to supply continuation of the "fabric of life" to the Palestinian residents living in the "Seam Zone," who have been physically cut off from the West Bank by the that fence. Since 16 May 2007, it has been maintained by a civilian security company subcontracting to the Defense Ministry.
Functioning on the site is a large and sophisticated terminal, which includes biometric facilities for identification of the palm of the hand, and small examination rooms to which men and women are taken by random selection. Agricultural produce and other goods may be transferred through here from the West Bank to the Seam Zone enclave in limited quantities, by a group of regular drivers and in prior coordination with the DCO and the army.
Since the checkpoint passed into civilian hands, the Mevo Reihan CP (near Umriha village) has been used as a checking point for Palestinians on their way to the Reihan checkpoint.

Close description

6:00 Rihan Barta'a checkpoint
Due to the closure there is little activity at the checkpoint. 4 vans wait for workers. A rumor that the Shachak [industrial zone] workers are banned from going to work today was refuted a while later. B. says that a talk with the DCO enabled passage of those working there. People come out of the terminal in a slow pace and in small groups. A pickup truck crosses over in a minute in the direction of the West Bank. A taxi with female students drive through within precisely 10 minutes . At the lower car park area driver E. arrives every so often with a few passengers.

We observe on site pickup trucks with merchandise.
An officer who definds himself as Lefty-settler couldn't help himself and inquired about Edna, who appeared on the TV reality game "The Big Brother." By the gate we meet Sharon, the security manager. We also spoke with some female students while waiting for the completion of the inspection of their Taxi. They are on their way to the university in Nablus. They study chemistry, communication, psychology, and nursing. They live in private homes, not in the dorms and no, they are not looking to find husbands there.

6:55 - Shaked-Tura checkpoint
An adult, a youngster, and three children waiting for the opening of the gate. Soldiers arrive at precisely 07:00. On the other side of the gate there are about 10 people waiting by the carousel. there are also a few cars.
There appear to be some sort of hindrance.

At 07:17 the first worker comes out and report of a problem with the computer. A school headmaster who had arrived at 07:07 goes through as well.

At 07:19 a Taxi drives in and in about five minutes all its passengers gather and they set off. Only at 07:21 comes out the second worker from the direction of the West Bank.

At 07:40 the last of the workers come out of inspection; those going into the SeamLine zone are among them, 3 teachers who were late for work and had arrived at the last minute.
Someone says that the soldiers at the checkpoint are "Truly ok". One of them tells us that they are about to go up to the Golan Hights.