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, Wed 24.2.10, Morning

Date: 24/02/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Nava R.

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

07:15 - Shaked-Tura checkpoint
At this very moment the checkpoint was opened fifteen minutes late. Due to computer problems inside the inspection booth, passage was slow. Children were late to school because Y., who drives them to school in his car every day' was detained due to the computer problems.

08:30 All had crossed.
I left the checkpoint.

08:40 - Rihan-Barta'a checkpoint
There are more improvement and development in gardening the park. Decorative dice were added.
Six vans waited for passage into the Seamline zone at the vehicles' checkpoint. They have not gone inside yet. Two vans with agriculture produce waited at the Palestinian car park area.
Drivers said that they have been waiting there for two hours because the Salem DCO hasn't sent the permit for the produce to get inside the SeamLine zone.
At the vehicle's inspection post on the side of the Seamline zone stood a covered truck on its way to the West Bank. Inspection of the truck took more than half an hour while four vans had to wait. In the end all drove through but it took too long.
An hour later the checkpoint started to operate at its usual effective pace. Passage of pedestrians inside the terminal was uneventful.

10:00 I left the checkpoint.