Qalandiya, Mon 10.9.12, Afternoon
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Observers:
Natanya G. and Phyllis W. (reporting)
Sep-10-2012
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Afternoon
Signs of the general strike in the Palestinian Authority were very apparent
at Qalandiya CP. Rocks were strewn all over the surface of the road at the northern entrance to the vehicle CP (from the direction of Ramallah), thrown apparently by the groups of young boys who were still hanging around in the not too far distance. At the entrance to the pedestrian CP several groups of taxi drivers were sitting and gossiping, passing the time. One of the drivers told us that the boys were throwing stones since early in the morning and that every so often soldiers would come out and fire tear gas canisters back at them. Several drivers reported that they were willing to drive to Ramallah, but only along back roads (so as not to be seen to be breaking the strike). There was no one at all in the CP itself, neither in the northern shed nor in the internal passageways. Two passageways were operating and for the first time ever waiting time was zero.
at Qalandiya CP. Rocks were strewn all over the surface of the road at the northern entrance to the vehicle CP (from the direction of Ramallah), thrown apparently by the groups of young boys who were still hanging around in the not too far distance. At the entrance to the pedestrian CP several groups of taxi drivers were sitting and gossiping, passing the time. One of the drivers told us that the boys were throwing stones since early in the morning and that every so often soldiers would come out and fire tear gas canisters back at them. Several drivers reported that they were willing to drive to Ramallah, but only along back roads (so as not to be seen to be breaking the strike). There was no one at all in the CP itself, neither in the northern shed nor in the internal passageways. Two passageways were operating and for the first time ever waiting time was zero.A young woman arrived with a chubby little baby
in her arms.
Every time she tried to pass through the magnetic gate, bells would begin to ring. In the end she put the little baby down on the floor and took off her sandals, and then passed through with no further problems. (Which begs the question, what could she possibly conceal in the flimsy sandals she was wearing? Even in an airport she would not have been required to remove them.)
in her arms. Every time she tried to pass through the magnetic gate, bells would begin to ring. In the end she put the little baby down on the floor and took off her sandals, and then passed through with no further problems. (Which begs the question, what could she possibly conceal in the flimsy sandals she was wearing? Even in an airport she would not have been required to remove them.)