Qalandiya

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Observers: 
Yvonne, Daniella Y., Ruti B., accompanied by a Spanish film crew (producer, photographer and reporter)
Feb-18-2014
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Morning

This report, similarly to earlier ones of the past few weeks, describes the awful conditions of this CP. Here we are confronted with the harsh reality of a CP. I was reminded of a meeting we had in the past with military officials, prior to the inauguration of the new CP:  they assured us that the new CP would operate according to border post standards. And since then, for many years, it faithfully continues its faulty existence. It is not the doing of a single soldier, it is the result of a policy dictated from superiors, that the Palestinian is not a human being, he is a transparent entity at the best, but usually an enemy-terrorist.

6:00: The line reaches halfway through the shed, two pens are open and the crowding and shouts dominate the scene as the people push their way forward. Some hurdle their lunch bags over the fences in order to save them from the pressure and crowding. Now three lanes are operating. Some people are waiting at the Humanitarian gate.
6:20: Another lane was opened, as the crowding near the pens extends all the way through the shed and a trickle reaches the parking area. The line near the humanitarian gate now consisted of some 20 persons. A young lieutenant and two security guards hovered at the gate but rebuked our request that something be done. Their haughty and sneering appearance was their reply to the despair that reigned. A father and son who had been waiting to cross through on their way for medical treatment simply gave up and decided to cross through at Hizme.
Our phone calls to the Humanitarian hot-line were of course to no avail.
6:30: The gate was opened, and some of those waiting were allowed to pass through, into the closed off area between the two fences.
6:40: Groups were allowed access through the humanitarian gate but at this stage some chose the pen access, which seemed preferable, even to school kids and women.
7:05: The gate is open for all.
7:40: The pens and the inner lines are still densely crowded.
We entered at 7:40 and exited at 8:05.
When we arrived, there already was a Russian film crew there, and they interviewed Daniella.