Beit Ummar, Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Husan, Nabi Yunis, Mon 4.10.10, Morning

07:00  Bethlehem– Checkpoint 300: three inspectionstations are open, and only a few people at each of them.  Everyone passes through and tells us that thepassage is excellent today., and takes only 10-20 minutes.  According to the officer’s  estimate, about 2220 people passed throughthe checkpoint between the hours 04:30 and 07:00.

07:30  Hussan: a driver by the name of Ahmed tells us a long and tough story, but itsnot clear whether we can help him.

07:50  Etzion DCL: about 50 people are waiting for the DCL to open.  About 90 names are on the list  prepared by a Palestinian.  Another Palestinian tells us that yesterday,Sunday, at 12:00 people heard that the army chief of staff, Ashkenazi wascoming for a visit !  They were promisedthat everyone who was not dealt-with would be able to come on the followingday, i.e. today, and they are now waiting to be accepted.

I was in telephone contactwith the man, and until the hour 14:00 he had not entered but he told me thatthere were only three people in front of him in the queue.  Why did he have to waste two whole workingdays to renew his magnetic card ?  Withall due respect to the Chief of staff, why did he have to come duringworking-hours ?

Beit Ummar: several people ask for help with the usual stories,and we answer to the best of our ability.

09:00  Nabi Yunis: we make several telephone calls in an attempt  to find solutions to peoples’ problems.  How little can one do, how tough are theproblems, and how frustrated we feel !