ברטעה-ריחן, טורה-שקד
0720-0750 Tura-Shaked
It appears that the checkpoint has opened on time this morning. At this time most of the workers have crossed from the West Bank into the Seam Line zone. We saw them waiting for transportation or just walking to work as we were approaching the checkpoint.
It is already extremely hot.At this time the site is almost deserted, only a few cars as well as pedestrians cross from one side to the other. There are no delays.
0800 – 0830 Barta'a-Rihan
The car parks are full. A group of workers waits for transportation at the Barta'a crossroad. Traffic is heavy. At the terminal two windows operate and we do not notice a line. Those coming out report that
passage time is reasonable.
At this time only a few people go in the opposite direction, from the Seam Line zone into the West Bank. Today the biometric identification device is working. We notice that one needs to insert a card, place one's hand and then wait for confirmation.
Passage seemed quick (at least when there are only a few people crossing).
It very hot outside and the drinking water in the cooler is also warm.