'Anabta, Ar-Ras, Jit, Jubara (Kafriat), Qalqiliya, Mon 1.9.08, Morning

first day of Ramadan 

6:50 Ras Atia

According to a driver at the gate, it opened a 6:30 am. A lively movement of workers. They do not wait long for inspection. There are still no pupils or teachers crossing.

7:10 Elijah Gate

There are very many Israeli cars at the parking lot. About 10 vans full with "old junk" are not allowed to cross over to the territories because of the "goods" they carry. The line of workers is still long. The queue of cars at the entrance to Israel is short.

7:20 Qalqiliya

No inspections. Cars slow down and move on.
 

7:40 Shvut Ami

The building looks deserted but on the hills opposite new sheds are being added

.

7:45 Jit Junction

Not active.

9:35 Anabta

No inspections

The soldiers do not even look at the passing cars, and one wonders why they are there at all. Is it just to show who controls the area?

There is very little passing traffic. Obviously the figs' season is over because of the Ramadan, and even the coffee vendor is absent.

10:05 Jubara

A short telephone converstaion to check if we are allowed to pass, and the gate opens for us.

At Gate 753 the bored soldiers wave to us.

10:10 Ar Ras

Very little traffic. Very superficial inspections.