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Observers: 
Aya K.,Roni H.
Jun-22-2004
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Afternoon

Qalandiya 22.6.04, PMObservers: Aya K., Roni H. (reporting) guests: Ofer, Mechtild, IngridAr-Ram checkpoint seems almost deserted. The results of the plan tosegregate the Palestinian population from Jerusalem can already be felt! Thediversion of the traffic flow from the historical south - north routeJerusalem - Ramallah to eastern and western detour roads results in theemtying out of the neighborhood of Beit Hanina. No customers in coffee shopsand stores, no peddlars to sell drinks to drivers stuck in traffic jams. On the narrow lane which is still open in the direction of Qalandiya, one can seehundreds of eight-meters long concrete slabs lying on the ground like knocked downtomb stones.Qalandiya also seems deserted. Few pedestrians and even fewer cars. Theathmosphere is of the calm before the storm. People delay any non-basicactivity and wait to see how the wall will affect their future everydaylife. At the checkpoint the usual occupation routine. People are sent backbecause of having the wrong address and detained because of trying tobypass. Friends report us that on Saturday afternoon an undercover unit of the armyhad made an incursion into Qalandiya camp and violently arrested five people,who were sitting in a coffee shop and playing backgammon. The arrest wasaccompanied by shootings and the throwing of teargas.