Irtah (Sha'ar Efrayim), Sun 21.2.10, Morning
Irtah, dawn
We reached the gate before 04.00. Would it open? The place was empty of security men (no Border Police, no police (
The path entering from Tulkarm was, as usual, full of people waiting. 04.04 The carousels opened. Most of the positions were open. Within a few minutes the workers came out, with little or no delay in the rooms.An atmosphere of relief. But there is still uncertainty – is this a sign of change, or just a one-day situation?Sunday is the busiest day because the workers who are allowed to stay overnight in Israel return home for the weekend.Will the gates open at 04.00 also tomorrow?On the Palestinian side there was a television team. No foreign volunteers.We left at 05.00. Another Machsomwatch team remained, together with our visitors.A short and unfestive report.
The security authorities have acted cleverly. Very late.