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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By:

Reihan, Shaked, Sat 16.1.10, Morning

Date: 16/01/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Shula N, Noah L. (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

Translation: Bracha B.A.

Shaked-Tura Checkpoint: 07:40-08:10
There is constant traffic in both directions including pedestrians, cars, sheep, and tractors. Some of the people crossing report that passage through the checkpoint is quick and without delay. We also observe that this is true. However, a person then came up to us and told us that there were two people whose land is located in the seamline zone enclave who have a permit to cross daily and go to work their land every day. The problem is that for some unknown reason they are held up every day at the checkpoint for at least a half hour or an hour. They appealed to the Liaison and Coordination Administration about it and the problem has still not been solved. It seems that it is simply harassment. We have their names but don’t know who to turn to if the Liaison and Coordination Administration has done nothing.

Reihan-Barta’a Checkpoint – 08:20-08:50 0850
There is a lot of traffic in all directions of vehicles and pedestrians. As far as we can see and hear there are no delays. Efforts to beautify the area of the checkpoint have begun to expand even to the walls of rock surrounding the sleeve. There are no words to describe the absurdity of it. It is a beautiful day but it is very cold within the terminal.
We left.