Hamra, Tayasir, Wed 10.3.10, Afternoon
It is hot and muggy and stuffy.
The view looks the same as it did two weeks ago. The rain during Purim was timely and the Valley is still green. The daisies' yellow is dominant.
We unloaded packages of clothes near the three entrances to the roads leading to the encampments of tents far from the road.
Quotes: "To me it looks like everything is fine when you are here."
We went ahead toward the post in order to find out about the roadblock. We saw that the block was laid in front of spikes and it is really a bad idea for cars not to pay attention to them. From the soldiers who approached us, we understood that the mechanism for controlling the spikes is out of order and they are stuck and quite threatening. We also understood that from the post that overlooks the road it is possible to lift and lower the spikes as necessary. The soldiers promised us – as if we are the supervisors of the spikes – that the breakdown will be fixed within the next few days. Every car that arrives at the CP — goes through. There is almost no waiting. From time to time a military vehicle goes through very fast and continues toward the areas behind the sign that says "Area A", the areas that are forbidden to us. About 45 school children go through the CP, happy to meet us. Within 10 or 15 minutes, all of them went through and continued on their way. We met them later when we were on our way to the Hamra CP and they on their way home to their tent encampments.
14:25 Hamra CP – a Swinging Compound
Officer: "You are not allowed to enter the compound. We have to set limits – so that there won't be misunderstandings."
The sign that points in the direction of Tubas is not seen from the junction. It is on the ground — and we guess it was thrown down intentionally, because all the posts of the other signs were reinforced with new concrete (for the fence that is being extended).
The fence around the tower is now completed. The same soldiers are working today in the area of the exit from the inspection pavilion. One of them is cutting, others are soldiering. All the pillars of the fence are already fixed in pits; the posts of the flags saying "Haruv [Brigade] – Great in Small Battles" are fixed firmly. The traffic is moving. There are no delays. The ID inspections of the drivers go on.
The clearing is complete. The uprooted trees and shrubs have disappeared. At the junction traffic of Israeli vehicles is lively in both directions. People emerge from inspection, their belts in their hands, threading them through their trousers as they walk.
15:00 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 ShiloahNov-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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