'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

8.00 – 6.30

The checkpoint is due to open at 06:00, but the gate is locked and a vehicle from the Liaison and Coordination Administration is waiting near it. The driver, who is playing with his computer, tells us not to worry, that "they would come."  We called the Liaison and Coordination Administration at Salem three times and were told that they would be there by 07:15 and that there had been "activity."  We left without knowing whether the checkpoint had opened.  We hurried to Shaked-Tura Checkpoint to see if it has opened on time.

Shaked – Tura Checkpoint 07:05

The checkpoint is open and children are crossing without being checked. Adults and vehicles on both sides are still being detained and it is not clear why. "The gate is broken."

Workers from the West Bank entering the seamline zone began to emerge at 07:15.  The school principal, who has arrived at 07:00, does not receive a permit until 07:20 and crosses to the West Bank. Traffic arriving from the West Bank is let through only at 07:20.

Reihan Barta'a Checkpoint 07:45

Things are proceeding quietly and according to routine.  Workers from the West Bank are walking up the sleeve and getting into waiting cars. Occasionally people tell us about problems and we give out Sylvia's telephone number or the number of the Humanitarian Hotline.