Ar-Ram, Qalandiya, Mon 9.4.12, Afternoon

The CP was closed to Palestinians today.

In the southern square we were surprised to see that the huge gate in the Wall was open and through it many vehicles were entering A-Ram.  We learned the reason for this unusual event from the peddlers and taxi drivers trying to make a living at the northern side of the CP.  They told us excitedly that the main entrance to A-Ram, a city of 60,000 inhabitants, had been blocked since the previous night due to stone-throwing by some groups of young men.

Inside the CP 3 passageways were open at 3:30 PM, instead of the usual 2 that serve the masses that need to cross to Jerusalem on ordinary days.  The turnstile in the northern shed remained open during our entire shift and there were no lines to speak of.  On the other side of the CP we could see that only a few people were waiting in the passageway earmarked for bus passengers.

On our way back to Jerusalem we drove through the entrance square to A-Ram.  We saw that entrance to the city had been closed by huge concrete blocks.  Two groups of about 10 masked youths stood on either side of the entrance.  They looked ready for battle but were not throwing anything at the passing vehicles.