Qalandiya

Qalandiya

05.15. We parked in the parking-lot which was quite full.  In the square and along the road there were long lines waiting for the vehicle checkpoint. Inside the 5 checking stations were open and there was a short queue in the sleeve closest to the ‘aquarium.’ Gradually a second line formed, both queues extending beyond the sleeves. The soldier opened only one turnstile and so those waiting in the second line started shouting. The soldier heard them and opened their turnstile. Then, when a third queue formed, he continued opening only two turnstiles and paid no heed to the shouts of those waiting in the third sleeve.  These gave up and joined the other queues.

At about 5.30 there was a changing of the guard.  We spoke to the soldier just arriving and asked him to open the third turnstile.  The soldier finishing his stint explained that he had heard the shouts but felt it was sufficient to open only two turnstiles. He had allowed through many people, which caused long lines in front of the checking stations (which was true). Nevertheless, the new soldier from now on opened all three turnstiles. Many people suddenly arrived and quickly three long queues formed, stretching right out of the shed into the parking lot.  Fortunately, actual checking was quick today.

Soon after 6 o’clock the D.C.O. officer arrived.  He greeted us and checked to see if anyone was waiting at the Humanitarian Gate.  He said he was delayed because they had changed the key and he didn’t have the correct one. He said he would see to the duplication of the key for D.C.O. staff during the day. We commented on his being alone, without police or a guard.  He said he manages well alone, as he did. Until 2 guards and a policewoman arrived, he kept an eye on what was happening, told the soldier when to open the turnstiles, and opened the Humanitarian Gate every time a few people arrived there.

The lines were long, but speed was reasonable.  At one point a woman arrived with a child in a stroller. The officer arranged for the gate next to the turnstile after the Humanitarian gate, to be opened, and one of the guards accompanied her to a checking station where he arranged for the gate there to be opened so that she could avoid the turnstile.

Only at 7.30 did the lines finally get shorter.

We returned to Jerusalem via A-Ram. There the checkpoint is manned and cars are directed to the bumpy route on its right.  Soldiers are busy checking a Palestinian car at the side, and other cars – both Israeli and Palestinian – pass without checking. We passed quickly through Hizme   checkpoint, thanks to light traffic.