Hamra (Beqaot), Jordan Valley, Khirbet Makhul, Tayasir
09:30 – We crossed Bezek Checkpoint.
The ascent to Tayasir as well as Tayasir Checkpoint on the way to Al-Akaba
There was little traffic on the road. the training areas were empty. A small truck towing a water tank was going west.
Tayasir Checkpoint
Two large military trucks were parked next to the watchtower. A woman soldier was busy next to the water faucet. A refrigerator truck was parked on the road to the checkpoint. Army vehicles were parked at the deserted army camp.
The Village of Al Akaba
The mayor of the village, Haj Sami, told us about the military maneuvers that were taking place around the village. There were shootings, loud noises, soldiers in the streets of the village at night, but not in the houses. The villagers took in families from the communities of Bezek and Yarza, who had received orders to leave their homes because of military maneuvers.
We left a lot of babies’ and children’s clothing and shoes in the storeroom of the regional council. The Haj said that if they were not needed in Al Akaba they would certainly be used in Tayasir or Tubas.
The Alon Route
There was a lot of activity near the army camp at Khalat Makhul Junction. It appeared that the army was preparing to leave since three tanks were loaded on their carriers. The embankment had been extended northward.
Hamra Checkpoint
The place looked deserted. The gate was closed, and there was not a single soldier in the watchtower. The entire road was empty. Only the “love block” (see photo) was there to greet us.
Khalat Makhul
Everyone was busy with the flocks. Y.’s children came and we gave them baby toys and shoes for adults.
We drove behind tanks that were going north on the Alon Route, on our way to the Bezek Checkpoint.
Bezek Checkpoint -12:00
We were asked to show our ID cards and open the trunk of our car, and were then permitted to continue on our way.
Hamra (Beqaot)
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One of the Jordan Rift Valley checkpoints that prevent direct transit between the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, in addition to Tayasir Checkpoint. Located next to Hamra settlement, on Route 57 and the Allon Road.
Read about the peple of the Jordan Valley and the quiet transfer happening there.
Shahar ShilohNov-3-2021Ein Shibli: grazing begins close to home
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Jordan Valley
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Jordan Valley The Jordan Valley is the eastern strip of the West Bank. Its area consists of almost a third of the West Bank area. About 10,000 settlers live there, about 65,000 Palestinian residents in the villages and towns. In addition, about 15,000 are scattered in small shepherd communities. These communities are living in severe distress because of two types of harassment: the military declaring some of their living areas, as fire zones, evicting them for long hours from their residence to the scorching heat of the summer and the bitter cold of the winter. The other type is abuse by rioters who cling to the grazing areas of the shepherd communities, and the declared fire areas (without being deported). The many groundwaters in the Jordan Valley belong to Mekorot and are not available to Palestinians living in the Jordan Valley. The Palestinians bring water to their needs in high-cost followers.
Nurit PopperDec-16-2027Nurit is threatened by settlers from close range.
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Khalet Makhul
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Khalet Makhul
A small settlement of a shepherd community located on the way to the settlement of Hemdat. Two nearby outposts make life miserable for the Palestinians, who make a living from grazing, and the army backs the settlers. As a result, the possible grazing areas are getting smaller.
The local children attend school in the settlement of Ein Al-Beida. Long lines of 3 hours sometimes stretch out at the Hamra and Tayasir checkpoints leading to the town of Tubas, making it difficult to get water, supplies, and sell the cheese, milk, and meat that the residents produce for their living.
Following a deadly attack at the Tayasir checkpoint in February 2025, the checkpoint was closed completely for the time being.
(Updated March 2025)
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Tayasir CP
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Located on road 5799, It is one of the checkpoints control the passage between the northern West Bank and the Jordan Valley. For a long time, it stood empty and open, with only a sign next to it warning against entering Area A. It was adjacent to an old military camp - now everything is neglected. How much money was invested here, and how much brainwashing was done to the soldiers of Netzah Yehuda and Kfir.
Today, it is very difficult to pass there. Many delays. Often, teachers from Tubas are not allowed to pass into the Valley to villages like Ein al-Bida where the local schools are located, and there are no classes. There are additional days when the checkpoint is closed. In general, there is a wait there of about two to four hours to go towards the Valley and also to return. Many times the Palestinians are forced to use the Hamra checkpoint, which also leads into Tubas and the West Bank, but there is also a huge queue there and a long wait.
Following a deadly attack on soldiers at the nearby base in February 2025, the checkpoint was completely closed for the time being. (Updated March 2025)
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