Beitar, Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Mon 7.6.10, Afternoon

13:45 pm, Etzion DCL: the Etzion DCL seemed to be covered in smoke. The fire-brigade and the police barred the road and warned that gas cylinders might burst. From a distance we could see the remains of a structure that had gone up in flames. Apparently, the central building had not been damaged. We left, on our way to the Betar barrier.

14:45 pm, Beitar: heavy trucks were being inspected. The inspection was not taking long. Traffic seemed to be flowing peacefully in both directions. No apparent detainees.

15:45 pm, Bethlehem - Checkpoint 300: only three booths were functioning and one of them was closed down shortly after our arrival. Workmen began to arrive and it was obvious that many would be arriving shortly. We pleaded on the phone as well as with the security staff to open more inspection booths but to no avail. Indeed, a wave of Palestinians returning from work arrived and the ensuing commotion caused the security person to shut off the entrance door. We could hear the shouts of the anguished crowd.

Shlomit called Abu Rukun who promised to help. A police officer, Eyal, showed up and similarly to what had happened last week, he simply opened up one of the exits and let the crowd through.