Qalandiya, Tue 4.12.12, Morning
Translator: Charles K.
…How does it feel to be a state?...
…We’re a state like a 16 year old boy who’s just received an ID card. He doesn’t know how to do anything. We have nothing to do with politics. Our state [our policy] is “bread and work”…
Qalandiya – 06:00
The vehicle checkpoint is very crowded, horns blowing and people yelling everywhere.
It looks as if the situation under the canopy is relatively good today. 200 laborers wait on the regular line. Ten women and elderly men wait on the humanitarian line. Five inspection lanes are open with about 50 people.
A new group of ecumenical volunteers arrived last week to replace those who left; the new volunteer tells us that last Thursday the checkpoint was almost empty. Perhaps people took a holiday in advance of the statehood declaration.
No line at the humanitarian gate. It’s too early for the women and schoolchildren.
Qalandiya – 06:30
During the past half hour 260 people entered inspection, 50 of them through the humanitarian gate.
The crossing goes quickly today. Everyone who waited on the regular line when we arrived entered inspection in 20 minutes. 100 people who just arrived wait on the regular line. No line at the humanitarian gate. Whoever arrives crosses in a few minutes.
We asked those waiting why, in their opinion, there’s no congestion today. They reply that there’s no special reason. “Maybe everyone came early in the morning?”
The soldier also gave us the same answer: “More people came early and went through quickly.”
Qalandiya – 07:00
During the past half hour 360 people entered inspection, 160 of them through the humanitarian gate.
70 people who just arrived, among them women and children, wait on the regular line. No one waits on the humanitarian line.
The vehicle checkpoint is still very congested. The sound of beeping horns fills the air; the drivers seem very edgy this morning.