In early June 2013, B’Tselem field researchers documented conditions at Tarqumya Checkpoint in the southern West Bank and at Eyal Crossing in the northern West Bank, both of which serve as entry points into Israel for Palestinians who have permits to work in the country. The researchers followed the situation there from the middle of the night, when the first laborers gather in line, until the morning.

Border police officer stands in front of Palestinian as they wait to cross from Qalandiya checkpoint outside Ramallah, West Bank, into Jerusalem, July 26, 2013 (Photo: Activestills)

The footage of both checkpoints shows long lines, overcrowding, prolonged physical inspections conducted in uncomfortable conditions, and insufficient personnel manning inspection counters.

B’Tselem reported these findings to the head of the Land Crossings Authority at the Ministry of Defense. The assistant to the head of the authority, Ms. Lia Moran-Gilad, rejected the claims that laborers must wait a long time in line, stating that the first laborers usually arrive at Tarqumya Checkpoint only 15 to 30 minutes before its scheduled 3:45 A.M. opening, and only few people arrive even then. Moran-Gilad added that there on no people at the Eyal Crossing when it opens at 4:00 A.M. She also noted that the Lands Crossing Authority is currently considering opening another inspection lane at Tarqumya Checkpoint, and that such an expansion is currently under construction at Eyal Crossing.

On 1 September 2013, B’Tselem’s field researchers returned to Tarqumya Checkpoint and reviewed conditions there. They also went to Sha’ar Efrayim Checkpoint in the northern West Bank. They found that Palestinian workers in both locations are facing the same difficulties documented three months earlier: many laborers arrived at the checkpoint even before 12:30 A.M., and there were very long lines by 3:30 A.M. There were insufficient inspection lanes for the number of people wishing to go through the checkpoint. The researchers were told that some of the people in line are sent for an additional inspection procedure conducted in designated rooms that are overcrowded and have neither chairs nor any air conditioning.

The Ministry of Defense must modify conditions at checkpoints to accommodate the number of Palestinians issued work entry permits by the Civil Administration. It must also ensure that the process of entry to Israel safeguard the dignity of the workers. The matter is especially urgent now, with winter approaching, as the long lines extend far beyond the roofed area of the checkpoints. On 14 October 2013, B’Tselem applied once more to the head of the Land Crossings Authority and requested that, given the new footage, the overcrowding as documented at the checkpoints be re-examined. On 20 October 2013 the Land Crossing Authority asked B’Tselem for a DVD of the footage. B’Tselem complied with the request the very same day.

The video film:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g0TkLU5yxc