Abu Dis, Container (Wadi Nar), Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Wed 20.2.08, Afternoon

Container CP, 14:55

Light traffic only, most vehicles just waved
through. Waiting time 1-2 minutes. One car was being
thoroughly searched on the side, so that traffic flow
was unaffected. A young man was led into the "waiting area".
The DCO rep approached us smiling, wanting to greet us,
and explain that all was running smoothly because he was there.

Al-Ezariya, 15:35

At the entrance is a previously reported yet new red
sign (see attached photograph) which says in Hebrew, Arabic and English:

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY TERRITORY
AREA XX AHEAD
NO ENTRY FOR ISRAELIS
ENTRY ILLEGAL BY ISRAELI LAW

Following the word "area", a letter had been painted over and
obliterated in all languages (where we put an XX), presumably the letter
A. Indeed, this is not area A, and so of course it is not illegal to
enter.
 
Al Ezariya is replete with vehicles sporting Israeli license
plates. We encouNtered at least 5 Israeli police vehicles, some BP, some
civilian. Nobody paid the least bit attention to us "illegals". Our
guess: This sign is invalid, but hey! -- if it scares some Israelis away,
that's the goal. It is like adding an item to a restaurant bill. If it's
challenged -- it is removed. If it is not challenged, it is extra money
in the restaurant's till. Why not?

Olives terminal, 16:00

 25-30 cars in the parking lot but the terminal
deserted. We walked through and 2 bored but surprised girl soldiers asked
us why, and waved us through. On our way back through the turnstiles, we
happened to follow a small family, father, mother and baby wrapped in a
blanket. They were a bit apprehensive about us trailing behind them, I
guess we seem out of place. As frequently noted before, squeezing through
the turnstile while carrying a baby is not easy.

Container CP, 16:35

We returned to check whether there was anything
happening, but it was as quiet as it had been an hour and a half ago.