Qalandiya, Tue 31.7.12, Morning

Translator:  Charles K.

The lines were relatively short this morning in the two cage-like crossings when we arrived a little before 6AM; all five inspection stations were open.  But, from 06:20 on, entry through the left-hand crossing was unrestricted and remained that way until we left at 07:00.  The humanitarian gate hadn’t opened.  Once, when three women waited there, a soldier from the DCO told them to move to the regular line.  When we asked why he doesn’t open the humanitarian gate, he said he won’t do so for only a few women – as if it required some physical or psychological effort for him to open the gate as needed.  In general, a quiet morning with no impediments to the flow of people (like last Monday).