Qalandiya
Observers:
Observers: Virginia S., Ina P.(reporting)
Dec-23-2014
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Morning
A long and cold morning
Winter has certainly made its appearance at Qalandiya. People were standing in the long lines until after 7:00, although all five checking posts had been open when we arrived at 5:00. People passed through freely through the pens until around 5:15. The peak is at 5:45 to 7:00, when the lines reach the parking lot. People were very patient.
The DCO soldier arrived at 6:00, opened the Humanitarian gate and did so again whenever this was called for.
Usually, the authorities make an effort to clear the lines at Qalandiya by 7:00 but today we could not leave until 7:20 - only after the lines no longer extended beyond the pens. Either many more people passing through or a slower pace are the cause.