Reihan, Shaked, Tue 16.2.10, Morning

Date: 16/02/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Linda B. and Hana H. (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

06:00 - Rihan-Barta'a checkpoint
The checkpoint opened at 05:00. About 30 people went through the terminal and are now waiting for transportation. According to them passage is "ok" and actually the pace of those coming out of the terminal is quick.
A large group of workers return from their night shift in Barta'a, going into the West Bank.
In the enclosed area pickup trucks loaded with merchandise are under inspection and in the lower car park area there 3 more vehicles loaded with agriculture produce are awaiting inspection.
Going down the sleeve we observe the tremendous development of the huge park in the heart of the checkpoint.

6:40 - The terminal is quiet, passage is swift and traffic streams along.
Vehicles coming out of inspection inside the enclosed area pick up workers who have been waiting for about 20 minutes.

E. tells us that until the road block at the Mevoh Dotan junction the road is open and there are no problems.

6:57 - Shaked-Tura checkpoint
The soldiers haven't arrived yet. Then they arrived, armed, and opened the gates at 7:08.
About 20 people enter from the West Bank and line up in front of the turnstile. The first to come out is a girl, on her way to "Hadassah" hospital. According to Yuval (who arranges transportation for Palestinians going to hospitals) last time she was delayed at the checkpoint for a long time.
Following the girl, the pace of those going into the SeamLine zone is extremely slow.
Children, students, teacher,s and vehicles that drive them over from the SeamLine zone to the West bank, go through without any inspection and swiftly.
Vehicles from the West Bank begin going into the SeamLine zone only at 7:25. Inspection is quick but drivers are delayed longer and come out only at 7:40.
Children on their way to school in the West Bank bring over an oil container. They are being inspected and go through without any problems.