Morning

The general atmosphere was relatively quiet and there was generally free movement. At the checkpoint next to the gas station there were 5-6 Border Police and a jeep. One soldier was in a guard tower and one took notes. So that most of the time only one soldier checked the people that were going in the direction of Jerusalem, which occasionally caused “jams”, which raised the tensions. Some of the soldiers seemed to be in exceptionally and unnaturally good spirits (explanations, anyone? ...)At about 7AM a plastic barrier was placed at the bottom of the road, next to the store. Orders were shouted at the people to stand back, and to approach the barrier one at a time. Those with blue ID cards were allowed to pass with ease, those with green or orange ID cards had to have their names recorded. The recording was done quickly and all were on their way within a few minutes. Some “missed” the notation, but no one seemed to notice. Now and again a heated argument started between the soldiers and the Palestinians about the “one at a time” system, which resulted with the soldiers angrily closing the barrier. When we approached the barrier would be opened again. Cars were checked occasionally and superficially. Most went by without being checked. One of the soldiers mentioned his concern that “because the Palestinians didn’t adhere to traffic laws someone could be run over.”Just as we wondered whether our presence helps or hinders, a woman came up to us and said that she’s glad to see us, since when we’re there the soldiers make less trouble for her.