Al Nashshash, Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Mon 23.6.08, Morning
06:45 AM, Bethlehem Checkpoint 300: The CP is empty. Five checking booths are open and there is no work for the soldiers. It seems that the crossing works slowly and the inspectors release groups of people sluggishly. The people crossing the checkpoint complain that it takes two hours to pass through and that the inspectors “abuse” them and do everything very slowly.
We phone the Humanitarian Centre to request that they speed things up. It seems that the speed increases, but it is difficult to know for how long.
07.30 AM, Al Nashshash: There are very few appeals for help, mainly about clarifying the situation of Palestinians detained by the Police.
08.30 AM, Nebi Yunis: at the exit from Hebron, after the sign indicating that we are in Palestinian territory, there is an army “flying checkpoint”. Cars are searched, mainly those with Israeli number-plates. None were detained. We continued to the entrance of Hebron, but didn’t see any special activity.
Etzion DCL: The DCL is closed for repairs until next Sunday. Only about five people are waiting next to the back gate for urgent treatment. According to them, they are receiving attention to their problems.