Since 2001 we have observed dozens of army checkpoints on paved and unpaved roads in the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and along the Separation Fence; Civil Administration offices which grant permits to Palestinians; and military courts trying Palestinian prisoners. We stand at the checkpoints observing the behavior of soldiers and Palestinians without interfering, intervening only when soldiers behave offensively to Palestinians. Then we try to speak to the soldiers themselves or telephone...

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Abu Dis, Container (Wadi Nar), Tue 23.2.10, Afternoon

Date: 23/02/2010 ,Afternoon

Observers: Julia W., Rahel W. (reporting)

Latest reports:

Abu Dis

The completion of the separation wall stopped all passage between Abu Dis and Al 'Eizaria and Ras-al-Amud, which is within the 1967 borders of Jerusalem. The only passage is the so called "Pishpash" which is no more than a narrow gap between concrete plates of the Separation Wall. Used by schoolchildren and nearby residents with Jerusalem ID cards, whose names appear on soldiers’ lists.

Close description

Uneventful shift.

No unusual events en route to Wadi Nar.

When we arrived there at about 2:15, there was a vehicle carrying a bulldozer held up at the checkpoint, but that was released after about 20 minutes. Otherwise, the light traffic moved very quickly and there were only minor delays.

On the return to Jerusalem, we stopped to observe what is happening at Qedar. As previously noted, at least 25 new, large buildings have been quickly put up in the past 6 months.

Earth moving equipment is still actively engaged there. what appears to be sizeable basement areas for yet more construction have been completed since our last visit. Some 30 more buildings!!!! are underway (during this time of "settlement freeze") and we can expect that within a year's time, Qedar will have nearly tripled in size.