Mevo Dotan (Imriha), Reihan, Shaked, Tue 3.8.10, Morning

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Observers: 
Shula B., (Photos) and Neta G., (Reporting)
Aug-3-2010
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Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A.

06:00 – Reihan-Barta'a Checkpoint
Workers are meeting their rides at the upper end of the sleeveinfo-icon.  People are arriving at the Palestinian parking lot in small groups and entering the terminal in groups of five.  B., a worker at the Shahak Industrial zone, is concerned about the approaching month of Ramadan.  He remembers that last year things were difficult when people returned from work.

06:35 – Dotan Checkpoint within the West Bank
At this hour the checkpoint is not manned and Palestinian cars drive through freely in both directions.  A tattered Israeli flag flies above, announcing Jewish presence.  Near the checkpoint young Palestinians are picking green tobacco leaves in a romantic, pastoral scene.

07:00  Shaked-Tura Checkpoint, located on the Separation Fence
The gatesinfo-icon of the checkpoint open on time.  About 20 people, two cars, and a herd of goats are waiting on the side of the West Bank, and a few people approach from the side of the seamline zone.  A new Israeli flag flies above.  One of the people coming through tells us that "Everything is OK."  This is a slogan that we find very embarrassing.

07:35 – Several people are still waiting next to the turnstile to enter the inspection room.

08:00 – Baka Checkpoint, on the Separation Fence

We have not visited this checkpoint for a long time.  It is located between West Baka, Nazlat Issa and East Baka.  People who have permits and who are listed in the computer cross here.  The checkpoint is open from 07:00 am until 7:00 pm.  According to the occupation rule even people who have permits have no business being out.  They should be at home.   Most of the traffic here is that of a vegetable merchant going to his stand that is next to the separation barrier.

08:20 – Nazlat Issa Checkpoint on the Separation Fence
We drove along the security road where Nazlat Issa was connected to East Baka.  About eight houses were destroyed in order to make room for the security barrier, dividing the families of Nazlat Issa to this side and that side.  The soldiers were surprised to see us and had just locked the gates of the agricultural checkpoint that is open on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday for a half hour in the morning and in the afternoon.