Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Wed 29.5.13, Morning

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Observers: 
Hannah H.
May-29-2013
|
Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A.

 

Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint

Workers are waiting in the upper parking lot for taxis to take them to work.  They report that today the checkpoint is operating smoothly, but complain that on Fridays the checkpoint only opens at 07:00 and they consequently arrive late for work.

 

People are steadily emerging from the terminal into the sleeveinfo-icon.  Workers emerge buttoning their shirts and fastening their belts.  The terminal is empty – people come out within 4-5 minutes.  One of the seamstresses who are coming out tells us that three new factories have been opened in the Shahak Industrial zone: one clothing manufacturer, one for cleaning materials, and one for dietary supplements. It is not yet clear where the workers will come from for the cleaning materials and dietary supplements factories.

 

Shaked – Tura Checkpoint

The checkpoint on the West Bank side opens at 07:05 and the seamline zone side opens at 07:10.  Small children are going to school and crossing quickly.  The older children have examinations and leave at various hours during the morning.

 

At 07:15 soldiers run out of the checkpoint. with their weapons drawn. towards the children who are waiting for their ride to school.  Is this an exercise?  Is there a suspicious object?  We are not sure.  Crossing is held up and a crowd forms in front of the turnstile and we hear loud voices.  Cars continue to cross in both directions.

At 07:30 things begin to move more quickly again.  People coming out on the seamline zone side complain that when they are in the inspection room they are being questioned and detained.

 

A resident of Um-A-Reihan says that he has begun to grow tobacco this year and needs to bring it to Jenin to be cut and processed, and then bring it back to Um-A-Reihan.   He needs a special permit to do this and can receive it only after people from the Liaison and Coordination Administration visit his fields to verify they are really his.  So far no one has come, despite their promise.  As of now only four people have received such permits.