Bethlehem Cp 300, Navi Yunis, Road 60,Beit Jala, el Khader , Etzion DCO and CP

Machsom 300, Road 60, Navi Yunis, December 12, 2004, A.M.Observers: Chaya A., Malka A., Ada G. (Reporting)07:20 – Beit JalaTraffic is flowing. There are few cars.07:30 – El KhaderLively cab traffic. There is mud everywhere. The unpaved checkpoint is slippery, really dangerous. Trash and filth are piled on both sides of the unpaved way. Can anything be done here to allow for a more reasonable passage?07:45 - El AruvTraffic is smooth; the soldiers are inspecting cars at the entrance to the agricultural school.08:00 – Beit OmarThe checkpoint is open; no soldiers are present; such is also at Navi Yunis.08:20 – Etzion CheckpointOn our way back the checkpoint is free of soldiers; thus traffic is flowing smoothly.08:30 – Etzion DCOThere are approximately 40 people. Some of the chairs are soaking wet from rainwater penetrating through the roof. The people, as usual, express emotions ranging from anger and despair to apathy. Azhar came down from his commanding post on the roof and spoke with us through the gate. According to him, “a new approach” is enforced here. People who come to ask for a magnetic card are told that they are refused without any explanation. They are required to return the following week. At that time, according to Azhar, they are informed whether they are police refused, or General Security Service refused. If they are police refused, the policeman in the window has information, file number, other details, and forms for payment of fines. In Azhar’s opinion, this is the best method. This way they don’t interrupt work, ask questions, or complain. It will be possible to work without interruptions. Furthermore, the refused are not told that they will receive information the following week. They are only told to go and come back, “go-come back” and so on. We asked that the refused be told that they will receive information the following week. Azhar agreed to look into it with his superiors. We compiled a list of those people who sent come back again and again. The bureaucratic abuse is becoming sophisticated.