Total closure. According to the two
femail soldiers and three border policemen even peasant women
working in Israel must go through Baqa al Sharkiya, which lengthens
the journey by over an hour. This was confirmed by a Taibeh doctor,
who wanted to enter the village near Tulkarm, but was refused. He
also tried unsuccessfully to bring medicines into the town. Quite a
number of back to back trucks, that bring provisions into the area.

J’barra, 1430. Manned by young and pleasant reservists. Again, very
strict regulations regarding crossing both ways. Every person is
checked, only J’barra residents can enter the village. A young man
who said he had family in J’barra and needed to go there to collect
money was refused passage. Another walked slowly after what looked
like a serious nose operation, alongside his mother. We made sure
he was dealt with swiftly. A southbound truck was loaded with
vegetables bought in Jenin, but was refused passage to Azoun. No
vehicles allowed to pass this morning, although the previous
evening he did drive through. He seemed desperate with 20.000 NIS
worth of goods that would rot if not delivered. After many phone
calls and efforts, he was checked thoroughly and let through, to
the relive of all (the soldiers included). Less success with a
J’barra resident who wanted to go home with his donkey. He was told
there was a donkey-bomb warning, and so the donkey could not pass,
though the man could. Similarly for three children with horse and
cart.