Morning
Qalandiya, A-Ram & Shuafat checkpoints, Friday AM 09 Jan 2004.MachsomWatch observers: Barbara S., Osi M, Philip (a guest).Summary:We’ve been to the A-Ram checkpoint, Qalandiya checkpoint and Shuafat refugee-camp checkpoint (near the old road to Pisgat-Zeev). There have been no special events, no detainees [me'ukavim in Hebrew] were seen, elderly people were allowed to go through even without inspection, vehicles had to wait about 10-20 minutes.A-Ram checkpoint:No detainees, short queue of people waiting to pass and a longer line of cars (about 20 vehicles).Checking the pedestrians was done quite quickly, old people went through without even presenting their ID’s. Qalandiya checkpoint:No detainees, people go through quite quickly.About 10 cars are waiting in the line, estimated waiting time: 10-20 minutes.A taxi driver told us the things had been much worse the day before, people without permits weren’t allowed to go through. He also complained about the poverty and about his difficulties providing food and education to his children. On the taxi we took, we met a woman who passed without any permit.The soldiers were angry about Philip because he took pictures, and told him this is a closed military zone and that it isn’t allowed to take pictures of the checkpoint. We didn’t argue.Shuafat refugee camp checkpoint:This CP is situated near the old road to Pisgat-Zeev, just next to the road to Maale Adumim where those who drive towards Maale Adumim pass the last traffic light.A person from the UN, who talked to Barbara in the past, told her that there are a lot of problems and difficulties in this checkpoint (for more details refer to Barbara S.). Today it was quite open and older people went through without even presenting their IDs. (We didn’t see any young people trying to pass). There was a single jeep and few BP soldiers. One of them (a female soldier) who stood at the passage, answered our questions freely.She said that due to the Friday prayers, men over 40 and women of all ages are allowed to go through. The taxi driver who took us from there said that today is an exception, and that usually the CP is closed.