Qalandiya: the third turnstile began miraculously to work

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Observers: 
Chana Stein (translating), Ronit Dahan-Ramati (reporting)
Dec-27-2017
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Morning

A cold, but quiet day at Qalandiya.

05 15. Next to the parking-lot on the Israeli side was a large group immersed in prayer.  Also at the entrance to the checkpoint on the Israeli side were rows upon rows of worshippers.

When we entered the checkpoint  there were lines extending beyond the shed, but at each opening of the turnstiles, the lines were contained inside. It looks as if the surroundings have undergone cleaning but inside the shed the litter was particularly noticeable, probably because the strong wind blew in plastic bags and papers.  As usual lately, only four checking stations were open, the fifth opening at about 6 o’clock . The beigel seller was present (in his half-dark corner) and the kiosk was open, but the young cake seller wasn’t there and the beigel seller said he hadn’t come all week.  A number of people pray privately and then join the lines.

The soldier in the aquarium was opening only 2 turnstiles. Most people automatically lined up only in two cages, but there are always some people who automatically run towards the third.  When only two lanes are allowed in, they start to shout to the soldier.  Today, because the lines were short, they quickly came out of the third cage and joined the other 2 lines – and because these were short there wasn’t the usual resultant chaos. The soldier came outside a few times and when we asked about the third lane, he said the turnstile was out of order.  But this turned out to be untrue/mistaken because, when his replacement came, the turnstile began miraculously to work. The soldier asked who we were – although he said he was not new to Qalandiya, he had never heard of Machsomwatch.  When we explained who we were he said,”Oh, you are from the other side.”  We corrected him – we are on our side….

At about 6 the soldier is all ready for his replacement who is running late.  Men and women approach the humanitarian gate, not yet open, but when they see the regular line is short they head for that. But when the gate finally opened at 6.15 any ‘entitled’ people in the regular line chose to move there.

We went outside to see any new developments – there were none. As they arrive and don’t see long lines reaching the road, people don’t know if this is because it is a ‘good’ day or because the lines have collapsed inside.  They ask us ‘Is it okay today?’ and are happy at the answer. One young man rushing up the slope and waving his arms accidently bumped into one of us, who fell flat on her back.  The young man didn’t even notice,  but another older man hastened to help her up.  Luckily no lasting harm was done.

Back inside, we drank tea and joined a now really short line at about 6.30.  The humanitarian gate was already closed. We passed within 15 minutes.