Jubara, Irtah, Anabta

Irtah, Jubara, Anabta, Sunday Feb. 20, morning.Daphna A., Orna P. (reporting)Irtah 07.15: According to the local inhabitants, the checkpoint was opened at 05.30. There were 7 checking points. The process was relatively fast, and there were few Palestinians waiting in line.None the less, the Palestinians complained that they had been waiting in line since 04.00, and were let through much later, and their employers complained about it. In one instance, 2 workers lost their jobs because their employer did not wait long enough for the checking to be completed.The Company Commander says that this is the last time that workers other than agricultural workers will be let through here; they’ll have to go through Jelameh. This is a problem for all of those who work in Pardessia, for instance, since it’s easier for the employer to come and take them from Irtah.The soldiers of Nachshon and the Military Police behave politely to the Palestinians and to us. There have been three patrol cars of the ‘blue’ police in the vicinity; this is connected with the prison visit, and the prisoners’ release tomorrow.08.00: Jubara. There is a relatively new checking post of the Border Police at the western side for those entering the territories from Israel, apparently in an attempt to prevent car stealing. We are not checked.Once again, they did not allow us to park next to the café; however, they let us park next to the western checkpoint, under the watch-tower.The checking post at the entrance to Tulkarm is manned again – according to the soldiers, in order to prevent Israelis from entering the town.The porters again complain that they aren’t allowed to work with carts and donkeys. According to the soldiers, it is suspected that they smuggled explosive material under their carts. They are forced to do their work only with their hands.They claim that D, the representative of the DCO, makes problems.Many Palestinians, not young, try to get into Israel without a permit, to look for work. They say that they can’t get a permit because they don’t have a permanent employer who’s prepared to pay for it.One detainee is waiting for permission from the Security Forces to release him. He is released after 15 minutes.09.00, Anabta: The gate is closed, as usual. 10 taxis waiting.There are two kiosks on each side of the checkpoint. No pressure of people going through.