'Anin, Jalama, Reihan, Shaked, Mon 8.9.08, Morning
06:05 Aanin Checkpoint
The pace is slow; a lot of soldiers, most apparently not connected to the work of the checkpoint. 70-80 people are waiting. We leave before the crossing ends.
07:10 Reihan-Bartaa Checkpoint
The situation at the checkpoint, according to those who have already passed the terminal on their way to the Seam Zone, is “okay” today.
A taxi and two cars are waiting to enter the West Bank. The taxi passengers alight for document check.
In the Palestinian parking lot two loaded vans are waiting. Four or five others are being inspected in the compound.
There is no line at the entrance to the terminal, and all comers go straight in. Two youngsters pass with special pittas, apparently intended for breaking the Ramadan fast.
08:10 Shaked-Tura Checkpoint
Little vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
A taxi arrives, full of secondary school pupils, who study in Yaabed.
The pupils alight from the taxi and pass quickly. Here too pittas like those we saw at Reihan are being taken through.
09:05 Jalame Checkpoint
The parking lot is full of cars of Israeli Arabs who have crossed to West Bank on visits. Seven busses are waiting for families on prison visits inside Israel.
The father and sick child that we are to take to Rambam Hospital (for radiation treatment) are already waiting for us. The father complains that they continue to demand that the son enter the special inspection room. They do not compromise despite his state, and the fact that he has to be careful about infection, and therefore wears a mask over his mouth and nose.