Qalandiya
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Observers:
Virginia S., Ina F. (reporting); Translator: Ayala S.
May-19-2015
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Morning
5:10: Although all five checking posts were functioning, the lines nearly extended to as far as the parking lot. The turnstiles at the edge of the pens were often opened but they let through only few people at a time.The lines often reached the parking lots.
6:05: The Matak soldier arrived in order to service the 'humanitarian' gate. The lines built-up rapidly. It seems that multitudes of people reach Qalandiya CP and the situation was similar throughout this week's mornings. The Palestinians working in 'Atarot' knew nothing about a plan to transport them in buses through the vehicle lane in order to ease the pressure on the pedestrian passage.
6:50: The discipline in the lines was disrupted by the younger people who were shouting and fighting between themselves, causing the others to withdraw in awe of being hurt. New lines began forming at around 7.
new policeman arrived (identified by name-tag :A.Y.) and started checking the permits of men who had already passed through the Humanitarian gate and were on their way to the checking posts. Also, there was a temporary difficulty with the turnstile near the humanitarian post but it was quickly repaired by the soldiers.
7:30: We were leaving but there still were lines reaching the parking lot. (Most of the laborers working at Atarot are due at work at 7:00!). The humanitarian line was operating and there were still many people on line there. Apparently, more permits are being issued but there has been no appropriate consideration of the prospected crowding at Qalandiya.