'Anabta, Eliyahu Crossing, Eyal, Thu 28.5.09, Afternoon
14:40
Some 35 people are standing or sitting in the blistering heat opposite the passage. They have no passage permits and some of them, among whom elderly people, have been waiting since the morning.
Every 20 minutes a soldier arrives with 5 documents to give back. He refuses to let them sit in the shade in the checkpoint grounds, which is closer to the soldiers. His response to Milet's request to let them go and sit in the shade is – "We'll give them some water". We report to the IDF Humanitarian Center. After some time they move to the shade on their own (under the influence of our presence?) and the soldier approves.
Some of the workers who get to the checkpoint sneak in fast, escaping in this way the waiting and the checking.
About 25 cars are in line in the opposite direction. We stay there for an hour.
At 16:30, following our recommendation, members of the team that went to Huwwara arrive. They report that the situation hasn't changed and about 30 workers are waiting for ID cards at any given moment.
Anabta
16:20 – The traffic is flowing.
Eyal Passage
17:10 – The traffic is flowing. The checkpoint looks ready for closure for the holiday's eve. There are almost no workers asking to pass.