'Azzun 'Atma, Thu 21.5.09, Morning
'Azzun 'Atma
06:20 The construction of the checkpoint continues, but there isn’t much of an improvement. The wide gate is closed and locked and a fenced in passage is being built for people entering and exiting. The fortified inspection booth isn’t operating yet. There’s a problem – all the workers trying to leave the village crowd into the fenced passageway and fill it up. When someone wants to enter the village he has to push his way through the workers crowding around the opening.
06:30 A military vehicle calls so the gate will be opened for it. The soldier stands ready. A woman with two young pupils wants to enter the village. We asked the soldier to check her documents and let her go through the vehicle gate but that, of course, is against the rules. The result – the woman and the children are crushed amidst the workers crowding the passage while all of them rub against her. Israel’s security has been preserved.