A while ago I wrote that I would follow up one of my videos about the metal detector at the agricultural gate for people separated from their land by the Israeli barrier. The problem with the metal detector is that it is much more time consuming to get through when it is applied. We have registered 2 hours waiting time from the opening time to all the people are trough people can walk back and bring tractors and donkeys over.
The follow up video shows a slightly different scenario. We had been told that the soldiers had applied the metal detector for the people returning back during the lunch opening hour between 1130 and 1230 the last two days. I went to take a look and here is some of what I saw:
The reason? Most likely the soldiers want to enjoy the AC in the metal detector building rather than stand outside in the sun. If this issue is addressed the magic word of “security” (for the soldiers) will approach the surface quickly and end the discussion according to the farmers. On Monday however, the farmers had a small spontaneous strike/demonstration where they managed to convince the soldiers that tractors and donkeys should be let through as soon as their owners are through the detector. The video shows the implementation of it.
Hej Magne!
I found your blogg to late… Now you are leaving Tulkarem….I can imagine the feelings that you describing. I was an EA in Hebron Dec 2006- March 2007….
Thanks for sharing your experiences and the situation in Palestine on the blogg.
Keep up the advocacy work back at home! Many people don’t know about the situation that the Palestinian people are living in and suffering…. It is sad but true!
Lotta