'Anata-Shu'afat, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed
6:20 Sheikh Saed
A border policeman and a guard are standing outside the checking booth, close to the exit turnstile. The policeman is holding a gun, pointing diagonally in the direction of the feet of those crossing, finger on trigger. Checking is excruciatingly slow and the line lengthens (although summer break has started and pupils are few). The policeman made sure people crossed one by one. With every beep of the magnometer (mostly continuous) he gave instructions to move back, empty pockets, remove shoes, belts, etc. etc.
People complained of the slowness and the humiliation.
At one point the policeman entered the booth, and then we discovered that there was also a female policewoman inside. Checking now continued from the booth, and the pace increased. Until the arrival of a young labourer wearing standard work shoes. Of course the magnometer beeped. The young man insisted that he crosses there everyday, and that today too he will cross without removing his shoes. A loud confrontation with the police persons ensued, but the young man is determined not to undergo further humiliation today. His ID is taken, threats are heard, and the man pulls out his cell phone and calls the police to complain. The policewoman immediately returns his ID and screams at him to get lost -- which he does with his head held high.
While this was going on, people continued to cross, some without being checked.
Olive Terminal
Peaceful -- almost no pupils.
7:30 Shuafat Checkpoint
The transportation area is emptying.
There is no traffic jam in the vehicle lanes.