Bethlehem, DCO Gush Etzion and Beit Umar

Bethlehem, DCO Gush Etzion and Beit Umar, afternoon, February 1, 2005 Observers: B. K. (reporting), D.H and S.S.13:45 Bethlehem CP 300: We found two men standing in the cold in the outside waiting area of the checkpoint. The border police had caught them at Tantur at 11:00 a.m and told them to go to the checkpoint. The Border Police took their ID cards, and they had been waiting for their return for almost three hours. We started making phone calls, and within 45 minutes they were released.14:30 DCO Gush Etzion: A number of men who have waited many hours for interviews with the GSS, only to be told to return again next week. Two men with requests for magnetic cards are refused because the photograph is not clear and new, despite the obvious fact that the photos are completely clear and new. Two phone calls to the commander, resolves the issue. The photos are approved, and the men are asked to return in one week. 16:00 Beit Umar: no police or army. We are invited to coffee by a Palestinian acquaintance of Batya's which turned into dinner, and a lovely visit.17:30 Return to Jerusalem.