Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

05:45 – Barta'a Reihan Checkpoint

The upper parking lot is filled with workers who have passed through the checkpoint on their way to work.  On the Palestinian side of the checkpoint things are moving quickly.  Taxis drop off workers and the long line in front of the turnstile is moving quickly.  Cars are moving through the parking lot an orderly manner.  We followed an army jeep that crossed the new addition to the parking lot and discovered a new roadblock in the form of steel gate at the end.  Truck drivers are waiting for the vehicle inspection to open at 08:00 to be checked before bringing their cargo to Palestinian villages and to East Barta'a.    We went to visit M., the coffee vendor who was forced to leave the parking lot at Barta'a with his portable kiosk (because of our reports?)  because he was presenting competition to the Jewish kiosk owner.  He has now relocated his motorbike on the bridge to Zabde.  This bridge was once a crossroads but is now blocked from both directions, forcing drivers coming from the south to drive much further.  We were asked to try and get the bridge reopened to save drivers a lengthy and expensive trip along the longer route.

06:45 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint

The checkpoint opened on time this morning and only a few people are still waiting to cross.  At about 07:00 the school children begin to arrive, walking up the road from Daher al Malec to the checkpoint.  Karin enjoys looking at them, but is concerned for their safety as they walk along the road as traffic passes nearby.