Qalandiya

Ar-Ram, 06:45: The checkpoint is going
through improvements. Automatic barriers that can read special tags
have been installed, and we have been told that the local residents
received them.

Qalandya: A new unit of reserve soldiers are currently manning the
checkpoint. Several soldiers were checking in parallel, so the wait
was not more than a few minutes, even at rush hour (between
8:00-9:00). People without a valid permit were firmly sent back, no
exceptions. Nonetheless, a little girl with a hospital appointment
was let through with her parents after showing proof in writing. In
contrast to the pedestrians, the car line was long and slow (45
minute wait). A group of men whose IDs had been taken after they
were caught trying to pass through Tora-Bora were waiting for them
since 6:00. We couldn't help out.