'Azzun 'Atma, Habla

----
‘Azzun ‘Atma and Habla 
05:45, ‘Azzun ‘Atma

 The construction of the gate on the other side of the village continues with gusto.  Soon this CP will probably be abolished. Workers sitting by the roadside told us that the CP was opened only at 05:30 today, rather than at 05:00, as it was supposed to be. Passage is calm and orderly, but very slow, although there are two open stations.  We timed 20 minutes from entering the CP on the village side till reaching the check station.
The soldiers seemed to be mostly reserves.  They let us approach the gate itself, and take photos, and largely ignored us.  We left at 06:15.

05:15  Habla CP.  The gate was still closed, and a civilian vehicle carrying soldiers was standing on the security road.  The soldeirs said the gate opens at 06:30.  Palestinian workers confirmed that this had been so for a while. At 06:26 the gates opened.  The vehicle gate leading to the seam zone remained wide open throughout.  There was no traffic towards Habla -- obviously, this was morning traffic.  On the Habla side about 20 waiting Palestinians entered fairly quickly.  Everything was calm today (as far as people held back by fences can exhibit "calm").
During Ramadan traffic is light, which may account for the quiet.
A soldier who saw me take photos asked sarcastically whether he is photogenic.  I answered that I had not taken his photo, but was prepared to do so.  He declined.
At 07:00 Omar's nursery was still closed.  We went back home.