Qalandiya

We arrived shortly after 5am. At the CP we noticed the usual morning activity, without signs of the recent tense atmosphere. Only two checking-booths were open. At first, the lines were contained within the roofed area but before long they stretched out reaching the parking area. L., of the Eucumenical group, told me that earlier there were three booths operating but the passage was very slow. Indeed, within a few minutes the third booth was opened, but passage was still slow. The soldier operating the turnstiles allowed limited passage, which caused pressure at the booths.

We encountered a father holding a toddler, apparently on their way to medical treatment. He was holding the child with one hand and with the other held on to a car seat and an envelope with x-rays. The people on line allowed him to pass through into the enclosures. A few women were also allowed through without waiting on line.

We phoned the Matak. They complained that they hadn't sufficient operators for additional booths, but just then a policewoman arrived and Booths 4 and 5 were opened at 5:25. The soldier at the turnstile now enabled more people to pass through – but too late. The lines extended into the parking lot by then. The policewoman explained that the two additional booths were scheduled to open at 5-5:30. We explained how much better it would be to open those at 5 and prevent the over-crowding of the lines. Obviously, she was not in a position to improve the situation.

We met H. on line. He reported that the day before was difficult, with people pushing on line and climbing the fences. He and his colleagues told us that there was army presence in their area during the night, and they heard shooting. He thought the kidnapping was a plot by Abu Mazen and Netanyahu and that the kidnappers would be found out shortly - Hebronites would never do such a thing. All they want is a peaceful existence and the ability to reach work safely.

By 6:00 people were waiting at the Humanitarian gate. Another policewoman arrived. Shortly past 6:00 a Matak soldier arrived and let people through the gate intermittently. At 6:25 the security staff arrived. The lines were only within the shack. By 6:45 the lines disappeared. A few people were still waiting within the enclosures. We left.

The traffic was heavier than usual at the square, cars pushing their way through in every direction. Total chaos. Took time to reach the CP. Passage was smooth.