'Azzun, Eyal Crossing, Habla
Eyal, Habla, ‘Azzun,
05:30 Eyal
Most of the laborers already wait for transportation, and many vehicles leave the pick-up area.
The few laborers arriving at the entrance enter one after another.
One tells us the situation today is very good because an additional checkpoint lane was opened.
Following a meeting with the organization “Who Benefits from the Occupation?” a few days ago we began photographing the logos of the companies working at the checkpoint. Fences, electricity, landscaping, concrete, etc. It’s hard to find text…
06:45 Habla
The checkpoint is closed. A military vehicle arrives with a female officer (the commander) who says the opening time was changed to 06:55 until 07:55, and in the afternoon from 16:00 to 17:00. The change was made after the ‘Azzun ‘Atma checkpoint was closed and two agricultural gates
opened in the fence between ‘Azzun ‘Atma and Habla. So she must move among the different gates.
She also told us that the Palestinians who’d exited to Israel through ‘Azzun ‘Atma don’t come to Eyal but to the agricultural gates opened for them. Which doesn’t make sense. She says laborers may enter through any gate that’s near them. I misunderstood. Apparently those exiting to Israel do come to Eyal.
I read the correspondence regarding the opening hours and I see that what we were told doesn’t match what’s written. A group of Palestinians waits for the entrance to open. The checkpoint opens right on time and it turns out the computer isn’t working and everything is done by hand, as it used to be. Quick inspections, etc. It’s not possible to see the notes and the stars on the magnetic card on the computer. She says the DCL’s were informed of the change in hours and everyone knows. At the beginning they also gave more time because not all those using the crossing knew of the change. Three teachers from Qalqilya on their way to a school in Ramadin tell us the checkpoint hours are a problem for them.
08:00 ‘Azzun
A military jeep stands at the entrance. The village is quiet.