Qalandiya
5.30 – 7.00
We thought that the days of the Messiah had arrived when we entered Qalandiya. The shed was completely empty. Inside at the windows were many people and the lines in the cage were not overflowing. We have no explanation nor did the security guard who said that maybe because of Ramadan people had not gone to work. Also the soldiers were working efficiently, the lines streamed through and the crowds at the windows thinned out quickly.
The toilets are still locked and an elderly lady was in a bad way but there was nothing we could do about it. The men evidently had no problem finding other “accomodation”.
One can only hope that when this grand renovation is finally completed the army will remember that they are dealing with human beings who have human needs. Happy is he who can believe.
The sun at this time of the day is as strange as the day was. Or is it the moon?
The humanitarian gate was only opened at 6.30 for a short time but basically there was no real need for it as the lines in the cage were short and passed through quickly.
The security guard was pleasant and even came out into the shed to explain to an elderly man why he could not pass. This is the only time we have seen any guard or soldier in the shed. He did let him go through but afterwards we saw the man had been sent back.
We do not understand the 4 entrances we saw here…If they are for Ramadan in some way or if they are intended for the renovated terminal.
We both agreed that it was a very weird day. We left at 7.00
