Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

15.15  Tura-Shaked checkpoint

Until today I haven’t seen so much activity at this checkpoint. Cars, bicyclists, pedestrians, returning workers, etc. All pass without hindrance.  Next to the checkpoint is a dazzling display of spring flowers of every sort and color.

16.10  Baarta’a-Reihan checkpoint

Many workers return at this hour to the West Bank. Only one checking station for cars is open and a long line forms. We let the security people know, but nothing was done. We spoke with R., who is in charge, and he promised to deal with the breakdown.  Many of those passing do not need to be checked by the machine as they returned from work in Israel, and that is the custom here. We met Eyad among those returning, who volunteers to organize the queue in the mornings.  He said that this morning there were no problems. By the time we left there was still only one functioning checking station.  Although there did not seem to be any untoward events at the checkpoints we have watched, our visitor described what she saw, and particularly what she heard, as dreadful.