Habla

12:30  At midday many are heading home early, to end the Ramadan workday.

We drove alongside the separaton fence between Azun Atme and the road to Elkana.  A military jeep was transporting 5 "illegals".  They were made to sit on the ground facing the wall, their hands cuffed.  A soldier explained that they crossed the fence through the barbed wire.  What people will do to make a living!

12:55  Izbeth Salman CP 1447

The gate is open and only few people are still there.  The rest seem to have passed.  The commanding officer is unhappy at our presence, and wants to see our documents.  He shows us a card attesting that he is an officer in the military police, so we show him our car registration.  He takes down our number and says we might hear from them.  So be it. Among those crossing is the former coffee vendor, a chikd who has grown and now works in the fields -- a shy and cute youth.
The gate was closed at 13:05.

13:25 Hable CP 1393

The gate was already open, by the same soldiers who closed the previous gate, but who can travel faster than we can on the military road.  Around 15 people are waiting to enter, with more joining continuously. Some were going the other way.  A soldier was standing there with a gun pointed at the checking station.
The officer was again concerned with our taking photos, and claimed it was prohibited.  He kept scolding us.

At the pedestrain gate the queue is orderly.  Everyone knows their place even if they leave the line.  They pass through in groups of 5.

14:10  The officer begins to shut the gates, but allows a last-minute comer to pass.  However, when yet another comes at precisely 14:15, official closing time, the officer does not reopen the gate for him.  The poor fellow has to go all the way back.  What a life!