06:50 AM, Bethlehem - Checkpoint 300:  the road was crammed with traffic - cars waiting for workmen on their way to work. The crossing was very slow. Within – 4 checking-booths were occupied though only three were actually functioning - booth No. 2 was not operating. Once we directed people to it a queue formed there; the passer at this booth has to criss-cross his hands in order to have them checked and present his Tasrih (permit) – in contrast to the plain presentation at the other booths. This procedure is far lengthier than at the other booths.

The pace of crossing is very slow and the lack of sufficient checking points is clearly obvious.

Outside - only one checking point is functioning and both men and women are crossing through it.

The people there are enraged. They remarked that the day before was fine but "today it is terrible". We had conflicting evidence regarding the size of the queue at the other side. We attempted to contact the Ecumenists as we hoped they would be able to assist us as they had in the past: but apparently they are unavailable on Tuesdays.

 

08:10 AM, Etzion DCL: a queue of some 10 people was forming outside the facility. We called to inquire the cause of the delay. Gadi replied that he "would open up whenever he thought fit… why do they show up at 4:30?" Indeed, at 8:17 the doors opened. None of the applicants needed our assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

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