Since 2001 we have observed dozens of army checkpoints on paved and unpaved roads in the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and along the Separation Fence; Civil Administration offices which grant permits to Palestinians; and military courts trying Palestinian prisoners. We stand at the checkpoints observing the behavior of soldiers and Palestinians without interfering, intervening only when soldiers behave offensively to Palestinians. Then we try to speak to the soldiers themselves or telephone...

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Reihan, Shaked, Wed 3.2.10, Morning

Date: 03/02/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Vivien S.B., a guest from Australia, Nava R. (reporting)

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

08:00 - Shaked-Tura checkpoint

There were niether people nor vehicles. During the hour and a half of our stay on site only one person arrive, and two cars.

09:25 - Rihan-Barta'a checkpoint
Traffic of only merchants from Barta'a. The first trucks with vegetables that went into inspection came out in less than an hour and drove in the direction of East and West Barta'a.

Drivers set idle.

We met a youngster, a resident of East Barta'a who is married to a woman from West Barta'a and they have small children. The fellow wants to go with his wife and kids to visit relatives in the West bank. He is unable to travel in Israeli the roads to the Jalama checkpoint while she , an Israeli citizen, is unable to cross over at the Rihan checkpoint. The fellow had asked to allow his wife and small children to cross, together with him., the Rihan checkpoint.

His request was not answered.