Sansana, Tue 11.12.07, Afternoon
We arrived at 5 p.m. To our surprise there was a long line of workers waiting to be checked to get through and go home. In the past when we came at this time there were almost no workers, and never a queue.
The workers quite angry that it was taking such a long time. Only one of the checking stations was open.
Nurit went inside via the carousel to check.
Guards in the area suddenly got quite agitated by our presence, had no idea who were, etc. In the meantime, Nurit called Shlomi, the new head of the now civilian checkpoint, who came out to meet us –after getting Nurit out of the locked holding pen where the workers were waiting.
Shomi is terribly nice and was very polite and understanding and non-confrontational. He explained that the changeover had just happened the day before and there were some inevitable 1st day breakdowns, something which sounds entirely reasonable. One of the stations had stopped working, but as we were speaking, it was fixed and the line started moving through quickly. Shlomi assured us that the most important thing was to be as efficient as possible and “to improve service to the public that uses the terminal.”
He promised to help women at Machsom Watch in any way possible, but insisted that we promise not to enter through the carousel again.
We left with the feeling that the new border terminal was “almost like normal life”.
Meitar checkpoint / Sansana
See all reports for this place-
Meitar Checkpoint / Sansana The checkpoint is located on the Green Line and serves as a border crossing between Israel and the West Bank. It is managed by the Border Crossing Authority of the Defense Ministry. It is comprised of sections for the transfer of goods as well as a vehicle checkpoint (intended for holders of blue identity cards, foreign nationals or diplomats and international organizations). Passing of Palestinians is prohibited, except for those with entry permits to Israel. Palestinians are permitted to cross on foot only. The crossing has a DCO / DCL / DCL / DCL (District Coordination Office), a customs unit, supervision, and a police unit. In the last year, a breach has been opened in the fence, not far from the crossing. This breach is known to all, including the army. There does not appear to be any interest in blocking it, probably as it permits needed Palestinian workers without the bureaucratic permits to get to work in Israel. Food stalls and a parking area economy have been created, but incidents of violent abuse by border police have also been recorded. Updated April 2022
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