Qalandiya, Sun 6.5.12, Morning

Translation: Judith Green

5:30

The line of workers is orderly and not especially long.  Three sleeves are open, but only 2 turnstiles.  According to the angry workers, the third turnstile is not in operation on purpose.  They claim that on Thursday it was already not working, but, on Friday, it was fine.  After I called the DCO, they explained to us that there are problems with that turnstile (according to the officer who arrived at 6:00, the pushing of the workers is what caused the damage).  In spite of this problem, which was solved later on, the pace of the workers passing through was relatively good, and their line only increased with the arrival of minibuses at the checkpoint.  For some reason, the soldier started to open the two turnstiles in turn, and this gave rise to unnecessary annoyance in the line which thus lengthened.  We called the DCO and asked them to open all the turnstiles together, and their response was:  the officer on duty is on his way.

Suddenly, for no visible reason, pushing developed and the orderly line became chaotic, with a lot of pushing and shouting;  some of the workers jumped over the checkpoint.  As always, the instigators of the chaos were young men who were angry but don't care that they are causing harm to their co-patriots.  Also our request that they return to the line (since the pace of the workers passing through was normal) was rejected as none of our business.

6:00

The officer on duty arrived;  he was very polite and opened the humanitarian gate.

6:10

The third turnstile opened (apparently repaired).  All five sleeves were opened and the pace of the workers' passage was good.

6:30

The line went quickly and shortened.

6:35

We left the checkpoint.  A relatively good day, may there be many!