Qalandiya, Tue 17.4.12, Morning

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Place: 
Observers: 
Avital T., Ina F. (reporting)
Apr-17-2012
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Morning

When we arrived at 6 a.m., the lines leading into the three passages extend out to the parking lot, and only two of the five checking stations are open. A small crowd is also waiting by the Humanitarian Gate. Our colleagues from the EAPPI, who have been on site since 04:30, explain that the build-up began only close to 6 a.m. The Humanitarian Gate is opened at 06:15, and the crowd – including a larger number of pupils than usual at this early hour – is held in the inner court for another five minutes. Meanwhile, checking stations 4 and 5 have been opened, and the Civil Administrationinfo-icon officer – who looks rather young but displays quiet self-confidence -- moves those waiting at Sleeveinfo-icon #5 to other checking stations so as to dedicate Sleeve #5 to the people using the Humanitarian Gate.
 
The Humanitarian Gate is opened regularly until 07:20, when the Civil Administration officer leaves the site. For most of the time between 6 and 7:30a.m., lines extend to the back of the covered waiting area, though the turnstiles leading to the four available checking stations are opened regularly. And although they now include men, women, and school children who would otherwise be using the (now closed) Humanitarian Gate, the lines barely extend beyond the three cage-like passages when we leave at 07:30.