Afternoon
MachsomWatchers: H.S., O.K., E.K., T.G.(photographer)It was a relatively quiet watch. On the way to Abu Dis we stopped twice at impromptu checkpoints where buses and vans had been stopped, but they were sent on their way relatively quickly. The Border Police would not speak to us.As usual at the wall people were jumping over without hindrance, soldiers watching and many many photographers from all over the world. It does not take long to realize that close to the city there is a place of attraction for all the world news.Next to the hotel the high cement blocks are waiting, 8 meters in height, to be placed in the future…a frightening spectacle. And the preparations are being made.We drove to Sawahre. The traffic was flowing steadily and there were many Border Police and one from the DCO. A very classy Mercedes from Bethlehem was not allowed to pass to A-Ram because the car did not have the correct pass and we began to make enquiries. Amin Hasan arrived at that moment, (Kambatz; operations officer?) , and was very polite but said that private cars needed a pass. We pointed out how ridiculous it was that commerical vehicles such as trucks and taxis could pass freely, but he said that was the way it is. A letter from the IDF Spokesman had no effect as the orders given on the spot are more important.