Eyal Crossing, Fri 18.6.10, Morning

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Observers: 
Chana A., Naomi L. (reporting)
Jun-18-2010
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Morning

Translation:  Suzanne O

Ayal

4:15 a.m.

We got to the roadblock under the impression that it opened at 4:00 a.m., but it is closed.  A few contractors are already waiting and complaining that on Friday the roadblock opens at 5:00 a.m.

The main conclusion of the morning is that great efforts need to be made to open the crossing at 4:00 a.m., on Fridays as well. 

The building is outstanding, the garden is well looked after, there is a stone sculpture, an awning and benches.  But it doesn't seem to match what goes on inside.

We drive to Irta and meet Nur.  At 4:30 a.m., we returned to Ayal.

4:50 a.m.

The inspectors are going round the building for a 'last inspection'.

It is open and we try to get as close as possible. We hear the noise of large crowd inside.

People leave slowly.  What singles this morning out is the fact that all those leaving are angry and bitter.  "What queues", "What a hard life", "Chaos", "They think we are animals", "It's not a life", "Why don't they open at the same time as every other day", we heard these sentences hundreds of times this morning.  One man said bluntly "Why do you come here, write everything down and do nothing".  People come out dripping with sweat and looking as if they have just come back from a day's work.  From time to time, over the general noise, the voice of one of the guards can be heard shouting "everyone move back".

One labourer from the village Jaba, near Jenin, and the father of ten works in Ashdod needs to get to work and get back home because Friday is a short day.

At 6:10 a.m. a turnstile is closed or is jammed, after hold ups of over an hour inside the roadblock there now builds up a jam of tens of people.

6:45 a.m. 
We leave in spite of the fact that labourers are still crossing.  We didn't hear requests to lift the occupation, just for the roadblock to open at 4:00 a.m.