Hamra (Beqaot), Khirbet Makhul, Tayasir
10:25 – 13:00
9:30 Bezeq Checkpoint (entry from Israel proper into the occupied Palestinian Jordan Valley) – no guard at the road post.
Rotem settler-colony: at the upper “outpost”, south of the settler-colony, nothing new. The place more organized and suited for residence now, or for hosting guests. South east of the compound an area has probably been prepared as a car park. The ragged flag of the “New Ha-Shomer”* has been replaced. Outside the compound, to the north, is a structure that serves as a storehouse perhaps, or for residence. In the past it was neglected and filled with rubbish. Now it looks neat, and outside it – the basis for a wooden pergola. We met two young people there. Except for “hello” no words were exchanged.
Uphill to Tyassir Checkpoint and from there to Al Aqaba village: traffic on the road is scant. Tyassir Checkpoint is unmanned. The army base looks deserted. The road post is wide open.
At Al Aqaba, village head Haj Sami was busy meeting representatives of the PA and of the UN. We spoke with the person in charge of the tea plant (I apologize for forgetting his name). He told us that soldier have been combing the area, lately they had not entered the village itself but they did enter homes in Tyassir village at nighttime after the holiday, and a helicopter was seen hovering above.
The village children are already on school holiday. He told us about the activities that are planned for them.
Allon Road: the training areas are empty. The dirt barrier is in its place…
At Hamra Checkpoint we saw a single soldier inside the compound. The old checkpoint was empty, except for a civilian Israeli vehicle parked there.
Khalat Makhoul: the children are on their summer vacation. A new baby girl was born to B.’s family. He himself suffers back pains. A.’s wife asked about a TV set for theirs is ruined, and one of I.’s children asked for a football.
Bezeq Checkpoint (13:00): the guard read our Machsomwatch tag, said “Oh…” and opened the barrier for us.
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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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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