Qalandiya, Mon 10.8.09, Morning

 
6:00 a.m.
Hundreds of people (mostly workers), extending beyond the covered area. At the entrance to the metal "sleeves" a dangerous crushing of people trying to squeeze in. The checkpoint is simply far to small to cope with the early morning numbers.
The humanitarian gate was opened according to need but only after a long wait for those in the queue there since the soldiers could not find the key! This was not the first time the key was not on the site. Of 55 men who had until now been allowed through this gate were told that the minimum age was 60.
Despite the numbers the checking was done relatively quickly and by 7:20 when we left the queue had thinned considerably.
 
We were told that since the checkpoint is now open from 4:30 in the morning there are many people who come at 3:30 in order to pass through without waiting and sleep on the other side near their place of work in order to be there on time in the morning.