Qalandiya, Wed 7.12.11, Morning

We arrived at the CP at 5:30 am and were surprised that despite the fact that there were many people waiting on line in the hall, the crowd seemed quiet and calm. No one climbed the turnstiles – only the cold weather and fatigue showed on the faces of the crowd.

The DCO officer who was on duty told us he had arrived at 5:00 am. Although not all the tills had been opened, the line seemed to be moving along. No doubt the presence of the officer was very important for the well-being of the crowd.

How regrettable that despite the masses of people wishing to pass through at 4:30, 5:00 to 6:00 am, all five tills are not operative on a daily basis. In fact, in order to serve such a crowd of some 2000 people at 5:00-7:00, ten tills would be necessary.