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...

Join us

By:

Reihan, Shaked, Sat 20.2.10, Morning

Date: 20/02/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Shula N. 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

06:55 - Rihan-Barta'a checkpoint
About 150 people waiting for the opening of the terminal at the Palestinian car park area.

There is not a single car.

At 07:00 the cry "Hamsa Hamsa" (enter in groups of five) is heard. The security grumpy patient less personnel stands at the entrance. Some women turn to us asking if we could bring them a big tape recorder. We've promised to look into that.

At 07:30 all went through.
Rutie wanted to take a photo of the big dice in the checkpoint park. She is told that it is ok for us to write but not to take pictures.

07:45 - Shaked-Tura checkpoint
Very few people cross. All appears quiet and tranquil. Indeed?

08:15 - We left