'Anata-Shu'afat
The parking lot was full. No pedestrians were seen around it. To our surprise, there was no line at the entrance to the checkpoint. On our previous visit there was a line of about 40 women, some carrying infants, as well as a few men. We waited a little near the entrance door above which a green light indicated that entry was allowed. No one arrived and there was no line. We entered. The soldier behind the glass smiled and told us to pass. We crossed and left. On our previous visit, an armed soldier awaited us, took our documents, and made us wait.
The atmosphere outside was pastoral. Aside from the piles of garbage strewn along the exit path, we would not have recognized the place. It seems that the change is due to the permission granted bus passengers to cross without descending from the bus. In the past, they had to disembark, stand in line, enter the checkpoint to be checked, then exit by foot to the place where the bus awaited. Now they can stay on the bus while it crosses to the other side. Sometimes a few passengers have to descend and be checked, but they quickly return to the bus.
This permit was probably granted in the wake of our friend Hanna's intervention.
13:00 We drove to the entrance to Issawiya. Traffic flowed. There were no soldiers at the crossing. Two guards sat on the Hill, on one side.