'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Mon 5.8.13, Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A.

06:12 – A'anin Agricultural Checkpoint

The soldiers are checking Palestinians near the gate next to the village.  People are crossing quickly.   A lot of children are going to work in the orchards together with their parents.  We thought about their peers in Israel who are at leisure during their summer vacation.    . 

At 06:20 a vehicle from the Liaison and Coordination Administration arrives.  About two dozen people have not yet crossed but things appear to be goingand we decided not to wait until the last one comes out.

06:30 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint

Here, too, people are entering and exiting the checkpoint relatively quickly.   Even trucks with cargo entered the inspection point before we left. 

06:45 – M. telephoned and said that he had arrived at A'anin Checkpoint before 06:30 [closing time} and found the checkpoint closed.   There are five other people waiting with him.  He called the Liaison and Coordination Administration and there was no answer.  We called the Liaison and Coordination Administration and they said they would clarify what had happened.  These people are attempting to work their land and to go from Palestine to Palestine if the soldiers will allow them.

07:00 – Shaked – Tura Checkpoint

A few people are going in both direction through the checkpoint.  A vehicle from the Liaison and Coordination Administration arrived and we asked about the incident at A'anin.  The soldiers were reprimanded and had to go back to reopen the checkpoint. The soldiers claimed they had closed the checkpoint at the correct time and that the people had arrived after 06:30.   The essence of the occupation is that people are unable to travel freely to their own fields in their own country, regardless of whose version is correct. .