JalamaSunday morning, October 10, 2004Observers: Ana N-S., Chasida S. (reporting) 07:10 – 08:20 After nearly a month in which the checkpoint was closed and empty, we expected to see passage of people and merchandise, but today also, it was empty and totally vacant. As we entered, we were told that there has been a “re-evaluation” of the closure, which means prolongation of the closure, at least for the morning hours. We weren’t banned from crossing to the Palestinian side. We found there, at the gas station, a few laborers who were waiting with the hope that the closure would be lifted. They didn’t come from far away, but rather from Jalama, the village adjacent to the CP. They remarked bitterly, that for a month’s time, people have not been able to go to work and provide for their families. Others didn’t even bother to come to the CP. At the DCO [District Coordination Office of the IDF Civil Administration, that issues passage permits] there were only young female soldiers who didn’t know what to say to us. Later, we were able to talk with an officer. He also was unable to say much more, only that at this time it is still unknown when the closure will be lifted. We drove to CP 250. One UNRWA car drove into Jenin after its three passengers were forced to go through the ritual of exposing their waists and thighs [to show they carry no concealed explosives]. The car was inspected as well. Another car drove out of Jenin, with three nuns en route to Nazareth. We left shortly after we arrived. In a telephone conversation with the DCO, we were told that the DCO is open and operational, but they didn’t agree that we come unannounced for a “surprise inspection.” We have to schedule an appointment ahead of time.