Hamra (Beqaot), Tayasir, Fri 22.3.13, Afternoon
Translator: Charles K.
11:45-13:45
12:00 Bezeq checkpoint. We crossed. The green landscape is fading away.
Alon Road. The earthen berm is still in place.
12:15 Hamra checkpoint.
A military vehicle stands at the junction, next to an Israeli car missing two wheels and without a driver. Is the IDF guarding a stranded vehicle? Perhaps! We didn’t ask.
Reservists. Only black/red banners (MP’s). Light traffic. The soldier approaching us (reservist, armored corps) explains that they – and also soldiers doing compulsory service – shouldn’t have to serve here so frequently. We showed him where we intended to stand; he didn’t argue, didn’t object and went on his way.
12:35 We left.
13:05 Tayasir checkpoint
Strong winds, dust and haze.
Light traffic on the road and at the checkpoint. Reservists (infantry) at the checkpoint. One approaches us, wants to know who we are, why, he never saw or heard about a group like us. The soldiers stand with their weapons as if ready for battle. We asked why; they said that’s the correct way to stand with a weapon. He said they’re very polite, don’t stop anyone, say hello to the drivers and allow them to continue.
They’ll celebrate the seder at the checkpoint.
13:30 We left.
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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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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