'Anin, Jalama, Reihan, Shaked, Mon 3.10.11, Afternoon

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Observers: 
Hassida S., Accompanied by Yisrael S.
Oct-3-2011
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Afternoon

Jalameh Checkpoint (Gilboa Crossing)

We drove Hala, a little girl and her mother, from Rambam Hospital to the checkpoint. This crossing functions as a legitimate border crossing which is what it should be. The crossing is quiet and no workers are crossing at this point.

A'anin Checkpoint: 15:15

The checkpoint opens at 15:00 and people are returning from their day's work on foot, one person on a bicycle, and on half a dozen tractors. People are checked opposite the gate. A woman officer and several armed soldiers call people into the checkpoint one at a time. Some of them were seen pulling their pants up after being checked. Bags and the contents of the tractors are meticulously checked. People tell me that someone was not allowed to bring in used clothinghe's been given. Another person asked me if I had brought towels. (I was not aware that anyone had asked for any.)

Problems

1. About 200 people received permits to go through the checkpoint for the olive harvest. People are asking when the checkpoint will be opened on a daily basis (A'anin is an agricultural checkpoint that is opened only on Mondays and Thursdays and daily during the olive harvest). There are already olives ready to be picked. The area needs to be cleaned and prepared for the olive harvest. We told people to call the Liaison and Coordination Administration and they reported that there was no answer.

2. People in A'anin appealed to have the checkpoint opened daily. I encouraged them to do as the people in Tura had done – to collect money and hire a lawyer. They said that there is no problem and that there is money and I promised to find out the name of an attorney who could help them and to contact them.

Shaked-Tura Checkpoint

The checkpoint was almost empty. An elderly Palestinian was waiting in the container and I did not find out whether he was going to or from Barta'a or why he was waiting. The checkpoint is open from 06:00-10:00 and from 12:00 to 19:30.

Reihan-Barta'a Checkpoint

I was only able to stay for a short time. I saw employers dropping off workers at the entrance to the terminal but didn't stay for the rush hour.