Qalandiya

05.15.  Three lines extended deep into the (still blocked) parking-lot.  The soldier in the aquarium opened the turnstiles quite frequently, but the lines did not seem to get any shorter as new workers arrived all the time.

06.10. A policeman arrived, but as yet no sign of the D.C.O. officer. A large group had formed in front of the humanitarian gate by the time the latter arrived five minutes later. He dealt courteously with the people, though strict about letting only those with the right permits through.  In at least one case he seemed to phone for instructions in a ‘borderline’ case and we were happy to see that applicant being admitted.

In the early stages women joined the regular line, but at 6.23 the lines suddenly collapsed, and there was the usual chaos. It took about half-an-hour for orderly lines to re-form.  The lack of benches was particularly badly felt today, as older folk in these circumstances wait out the chaos by sitting there. We went outside and noticed that a number of men were squatting on the pavement there – at least the weather was pleasant at that hour.

The D.C.O. officer continued opening the humanitarian gate until 7.50, when he let in at last those without permits who are let in at 8 o’clock.  He then left.  By then the lines in the shed were short, and we joined one.  Yet, even in these conditions and at this late hour, it took us 40 minutes to go through.

While outside we checked for any progress in the building – but saw only the piles of building material that have been there for weeks. No sign of the urgently needed enlarging (and improving!) of facilities – particularly keenly felt today, Sunday, when traffic seems to be at a peak.