Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Tue 3.8.10, Afternoon
14.30-17.40 PM
Checkpoint Walajee: we were taking the way to Etzion via the road to Beit Jala. Beautiful, almost no traffic. The checkpoint is small, part of it under construction. In each direction there were about 5 cars, no pedestrians.
15.30 PM, Etzion DCL: on the contrary to the customary situation the parking lot was full of Palestinian cars, but in the waiting hall was only one man waiting (companion of one applicant).
Two elderly men were coming and one young man who was calling for the soldier on duty at the turnstile. After I called the given Matak number, a soldier was coming and opening the turnstile.
Five minutes later the young guy was returning to us, telling us that he was ordered by the police to come, but now he was learning that no police officer was in Etzion DCL. He was told to return the next day. Incidentally it was not clear if he had already dealt with punishment or if he was expecting some.
Checkpoint Har Homa: idle CP.
16.45 PM, Bethlehem - Checkpoint 300: a few Palestinians were passing to Bethlehem, a lot of tourists came from Bethlehem and a bus full of tourists were on their way to Bethlehem. Two counters were open. Most of the tourists could pass without any inspection of their papers.
We left the CP at 17.00 PM.