Qalandiya, Tue 29.5.12, Morning

Long lines extend out to the parking lot when we arrive at 6:05, and there’s a small crowd in front of the Humanitarian Gate, which opens at 6:10 and then every 15-20 minutes thereafter. All five checking stations are open when we arrive, with  #5 dedicated to people going through the Humanitarian Gate. After the gate opens, people are held in the inner courtyard until there is no longer any line in front of the turnstile leading into checking station #5. This initially makes for crowding in the inner courtyard.

The movement through the three cage-like passages to checking stations # 1-4 is regular, with some 45-60 people allowed through each time the turnstiles are opened. When we leave at 7 A.M. there are five people waiting in front of the Humanitarian Gate, and the lines do not extend beyond the three cage-like passages.