A-Ram*, Qalandiya

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Observers: 
Mili M.,Rama Y.
Feb-5-2004
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Morning

Ar-Ram, Qalandiya Thursday AM, 5/2/2004 Watchers: Mili M., Rama Y. (reporting) Apparently the school is still on holiday break; no schoolchildren and very few pedestrians and cars in both CPs. In Qalandiya there are 3 detaineesinfo-icon -- "illegals" [without residence permits]. Their IDs are checked by the Shin Bet [GSS; Security Service]. According to the detainees, they've been waiting for an hour. Soon 4 new detainees join them. They were caught when trying to bypass the CP. The 2 IDF soldiers who caught them are sent to the hunt once again. A soldier threatens them that they'll be handed over to the police, and that they are going to be arrested for a week. When asked, though, he says that this is just a threat. If their IDs are in order they'll be warned and released, “And then they'll be caught again. It's a kind of a game," he adds, no anger in his voice.Generally the soldiers were efficient and polite -- the presence of a DCO [IDF Civil Administration Office] representative no doubt contributed to this.We were there for about an hour, during which time no one was released. It was very cold. The soldiers assured us that they had called the GSS, asking them to expedite the checking.