ברטעה-ריחן, טורה-שקד, יעבד-דותן
14:30 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint
The checkpoint is quiet and the hot sun is beating down. The garbage container has been emptied but there is a lot of litter on the sides of the road and in the field. Vehicles cross in both directions from the West Bank and from the seamline zone without any delays. A truck coming from the West Bank is briefly checked, and another going towards the West Bank loaded with tools and a water tank crosses quickly.
15:20 – Yaabed – Dotan Checkpoint
There are tobacco fields in late flower, ready for the leaves to be harvested. We didn't see any farmers in the fields, perhaps because of the late hour and the intense heat. Cars are moving slowly in both directions. The checkpoint is manned but the soldiers are not visible and no one approached us as they sometimes do. Three jeeps are blocking the part of the crossing that goes to Area A. Cars move alternately in each direction, evidently soldiers let vehicles cross and the cars cross quietly without being signaled. Some people ask how we are and remark that they appreciate the fact that we are here despite the sun and the heat. A person being detained by the security services asked for our help.
15:50 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint
The parking lots and areas on the sides of the road are packed with cars as usual. We also park on the side of the road and walk to the entrance to the terminal in the Palestinian parking lot, where we stand in the shade under the awning. People are pleased to see us and remark that we haven't been to the checkpoint for some time. Some people complain about parking and others ask if we brought toys and clothing. They miss Anna [who brings clothing]. M. asks us to bring toys to the kindergarten. Another man who has been denied entrance to the security forces/police asks what he can do to receive a permit to enter Israel.
We arrived at the upper parking lot at 16:20. It is very hot and despite the fact that people are tired they greet us and smile. Beyond the turnstile in the entrance things are crowded and disorderly despite the fact that three inspection windows are open. We ask a security guard to go and see what the problem is and we were ignored.
We timed how long it took people to cross, and it was 8-10 minutes. When it is hot, crowded, and people are tired, that can seem like an eternity.