With the use of a JCB from a neighbouring village the buses were finally removed to the side of the road. Children played merrily, waving their flags. The road block and closure had been in support of a nearby settlement. Three weeks ago some settlers had erected a caravan on farm land belonging to the village. Despite the illegality of this action the Israeli Army responded by designating the area a closed military zone. This means no access to civilians but in reality was a protection mechanism for the settlers who, along with their caravan, stayed put on Al-Khader's land.