Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked
6:05 Rihan-Barta'a checkpoint
Many workers wait at the upper car park to be picked up for work. Some tell us that they arrive at the checkpoint as early as 04:00, in an effort to avoid delays and miss their transportation. The number of people going through this checkpoint has recently increased significantly. Therefore, between 05:00 and 06:00 it is very crowded by the X-ray machine. Only two windows are open.
The veteran workers of Shahak (a short ride) arrive at the checkpoint only after 06:00 and come out quickly.
A young fellow,whose passage permit at this checkpoint has expired, is delayed and is under investigation the entire morning. The expiration date on his permit does not appear on the computer and this causes the daily hassle. We suggested that he turn to the DCO.
06:55 Shaked-Tura checkpoint
The site is open but soldiers are nowhere to be seen. Only at 07:05 the soldiers show up and open the gates from the side of the West Bank. About 40 people walk in and crowd near the carousel.
At 07:15 they are required to back off and passage begins by checking lists outside (the generator is out of order). The process appears swift and comfortable.
Vehicles pass fast on both sides.
07:20 Schoolchildren arrive and quickly cross to Tura.
08:00 Rihan-Barta'a
We came back to pick up Alli and saw that there were still many people going through.