Barta`a checkpoint: fewer workers and cars than usual
06:40 - Barta’a-Reihan Checkpoint
A very rainy morning. We see fewer workers and cars than usual at the checkpoint. We passed the parking lot on the Palestinian side and traveled to the edge of it. The distant parking lots are almost empty. A few workers who parked at the western slope walked up in the rain and the mud. A few people stood talking at the entrance to the shed that leads to the terminal, Few entered inside. The truck parking lot was full. We stopped opposite Zabde parking lot. The young man responsible for it happily ran to us. He is obviously proud of the parking lot that opened, although the approach to it from the main road is very steep and not safe.
07:00 – Harmish Checkpoint
The traffic flows, including a car with an Israeli license plate that crossed to Area A, which is prohibited to Israelis.
7:10 – Ya’bed-Dotan Checkpoint
A soldier observes the traffic that flows without delay from the top of a pillbox (guard tower). Emek Dotan is peaceful as if there is no connection to the city at the center of conflict, Palestinian Jenin, and to the bloody events that occurred there lately between the army and the residents (of Jenin).
07:30 – Barta’a Checkpoint
At the exit, above the hut and above us, a new, bright tarpaulin is spread in this green area, that was taken down last week. Upgrades . . . we entered the crowded parking lot on the Seamline Zone side, and there, drivers confirmed what was clear: “There is no work because of the rain.”
07:50 – Tura-Shaked Checkpoint
Quiet.
During the entire observation, we discerned buses and security cars from the Shomron local council, and only one jeep. Perhaps because of the rain. . .