Qalandiya

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Place: 
Observers: 
Gili K. and Ya’ara R.; Translation: Marcia L.
Jul-23-2015
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Morning

An Orderly Morning

1.     All stations were open at 5:00 a.m.

2.    The lines to the pens proceeded quickly.

3.    The policeman arrived at 5:45 a.m.

4.    The officer of the command center that runs the checkpoint and the security guards arrive at the Humanitarian Gate at 6:15 a.m.

5.    No long lines formed at the Humanitarian Gate opening.

 

Problems (Minor)

1.    The soldier on morning duty (until 6:00 a.m.) in the “aquarium” (command center of the checkpoint) fell asleep many times and therefore lines (to pass through the pens) were stalled.  It was impossible to wake her with our shouting.  We asked those waiting to whistle or catcall to her.  It worked.

2.    Again a problem with a woman who arrived several hours before 8:00 a.m., the time given her to pass through the checkpoint.  During a conversation with the command post and with the policeman on duty, it was explained that the reason the woman was given a permit only at 8:00 was to give preference to the workers who had to pass through earlier.

3.    The checkpoint area is neglected and it is not pleasant to wait there – there is a large amount of garbage and pollution, the bathrooms are filthy and smell.  The entire checkpoint is neglected and dirty, inside and out (even on the Israeli side).

Even after a day like today, that was all right, we return to our conclusion that the checkpoint cannot be put in the hands of and run by five different bodies, most of which are comprised of “volunteers” (soldiers).  The checkpoint should be handed over to a governmental body or private hands with proper supervision that is more orderly like all places that offer service.