'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

15:05 – Tura Checkpoint

Four cars carrying families arrive from the West Bank and pass immediately.  One of the drivers tells us that yesterday morning, he had been delayed two hours until  allowed to pass.  One car goes through from the Seamline Zone to the West Bank, also a quick passage.  Two women return from Jenin with packages of pastries and greet us.

15:25 – Anin Checkpoint

It looks like the checkpoint opened at 15:00 and all the people (about 30) still have not passed.  Two tractors wait inside the checkpoint, next to the inspection stand, and go through the strict inspection one by one at an especially slow rate.  Nine people were not allowed to pass through because they didn’t leave through that checkpoint in the morning.  They must pass through the distant Barta’a checkpoint.  Four soldiers from the military police run the checkpoint and our presence bothers them very much. 

The checkpoint was closed at 15:45.  All four soldiers came to close the gate of the checkpoint and to speak with us. They wanted to read what we wrote and during the conversation, they said, among other things, “Say "thank you" to us for not closing the gate exactly at 15:30.”  It is very sad to see how full of hate these soldiers are.

At the distance, we see many new buildings in the settlement of Hinanit.

16:10 –Barta’a Checkpoint

A convoy of cars brings workers back home.  The passage is quick with no delays next to the turnstile at the exit.  Only a few people return from Jenin.  The sleeve (the enclosed fence leading to and from the checkpoint) is covered with fabric - probably as a protection against the winter winds and rain.