Tura checkpoint: It is easier to shop in Jenin

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Observers: 
Hannah H. with Pierre, the driver Marcia L., Translation
Feb-24-2022
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Afternoon

 

14:50 - 16:00

 

At the breaches in the separation fence opposite Road 611, we observed the normal activity of workers returning to the West Bank from their work in Israel.

Tura Checkpoint

At this checkpoint in the Seamline Zone, we run into women loaded with packages, who are returning from shopping in Jenin.  They tell us that because of the wild boars, it is difficult to grow vegetables themselves in the gardens next to their houses.  Access to Jenin is more convenient and things are cheaper than in East Barta’a, which is in the Seamline Zone.  One of those crossing tells us about a Palestinian resident of the Seamline Zone, who was told he could not bring a household refrigerator from Jenin via Tura Checkpoint, which is close to his home.  They told him he had to cross via Barta’a Checkpoint and then only after he arranged this with the Liaison and Coordination Administration (this time without paying a fee).

Palestinian cars pass the checkpoint in two directions, but there are also cars that cross from the Seamline Zone to the West Bank via the road that bypasses the checkpoint.

The Assistant Head of the Council of Daher al Malec, who is returning with his son from the West Bank, tells of the contemptuous attitude of the soldiers at the checkpoint.  They play in the computer, eat, phone, and make those who are crossing in cars, wait a long time (the wait is miraculously shorter only when we visit the checkpoint).  If one of those waiting dares to honk, that person doesn’t cross or is punished by waiting a longer time.  Also, there are no bathrooms at the checkpoint, which makes the longer wait even more difficult.  The man asks us what he can do; is it worthwhile to turn to a lawyer? The only thing we were able to suggest to him was perhaps the head of the council could turn personally to the Liaison and Coordination Administration.

 

Barta’a Checkpoint

Buses and large transits bring groups of workers returning from Israel to the parking lot of the checkpoint. During the afternoon hours, passage via the terminal is only one way; that is, the checkpoint is only open in the direction of the West Bank.  Therefore, groups of women and children with packages and suitcases who return from Jenin, walk up on the open road via the vehicle checkpoint.