Abu Dis, Container (Wadi Nar), Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed, Tue 6.1.09, Morning

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Observers: 
Anat T., Shira V. (reporting); guests: Dana and Anda
Jan-6-2009
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Morning

 

 

 

Sheikh Saed   7:00

Sparse traffic (both adults and children) and no special problems were observed.  According to the local residents, the holiday which will end on Saturday is the reason for diminished traffic, and is not connected to the war in Gaza

08:00 Zeitim Crossing   

 

The checkpoint on the Palestinians and western side was almost empty of people.  When we crossed to the western side on the way back, no special problems were observed.

09:00 Wadi Nar

When we arrived a soldier forbade us to stand in our usual spot and ordered us to stand outside the borders to the checkpoint "area", beyond the barbed wire which extends the area.  Our impression was that this was the soldier's initiative and not an order from above.  We shall see if this trend will continue next week.

 
Delayed "transits" are released within minutes.  Trucks are checked randomly, but with extra attention.  The drivers unload the merchandise and the soldiers check the interior of the truck.  These too are released within a few minutes.

Zeitim Crossing


 
Here too we saw trucks checked meticulously.  It's possible there were specific instructions in this case.
On the way back, an enormous and unusual traffic jam all the way to Az-Za'ayyem.  We waited some 45 minutes in order to cross.  Is this due to excessive caution with the checks?