Irtah (Sha'ar Efrayim), Fri 12.11.10, Morning

Translation:  Suzanne O.

Artach

The roadblock opened after 5:00 a.m.  By the time we arrived there was no one outside the roadblock at its western side yet, just drivers waiting to transport labourers.

At the entrance gate to the roadblock on its eastern side, there were many people waiting.  The queue was quiet with no shouting to be heard and no attempts to jump the queue.

When we crossed to the exit side it was also quiet.  People who spoke to us said that today is a good day, i.e.: perhaps an additional checkpoint was open.  The time spent in the rooms was less.

The reason for the difference between this time and last time is not clear.

Those leaving through the revolving gate were relaxed.  Many people drink coffee, pray, wash their faces and feet at the new washing area.  Some had time to talk politics with us.  Just one woman ran towards us and said that she is in a hurry but wanted to tell us that she had sat alone in a closed room and been inspected three times – she was very angry.

At 6:30 a.m. we came back.