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Abu Dis, Container (Wadi Nar), Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed, Tue 29.6.10, Morning

Observers: Anat T., Gal L.
Jun-29-2010
| Morning

 

 
6:40  Sheikh Saed

Since the return of the regular battalion to this checkpoint, it's been calmer, without stupid standoffs.  Neverthelss, today each and everyone crossing was recorded, despite the fact that all who cross here are familiar persons and possess blue IDs. 

Last time too we saw a group of 5 workers from Nablus who came with a special permit to work in this area. This created confusion, but it was quickly cleared up, and today they cross rapidly.


 
7:15  Silwan

 

Alongside cheerful events such as the large march which took place last week in the village, there have also been disturbing events recently in Silwan.  This week two of the settlers' guards tried to occupy a home, using tear gas and other police aids, and this caused a riot and civil uprising.  The police came and there were many casualties, also, it appears, from live ammunition.

When we arrive the entire top police echelon is there.  Best known are Bruno Stein and his deputy Avi Cohen, known to us from Sheikh Jarrah ("Avi Cohen don't lose heart / Occupation will soon depart"  apparently they are also responsible for Silwan. 

We tried asking a few questions but were referred to the army spokesperson.  For today at least no one is checked on entering the street.

 

8:00  Zeitim Crossing

We had been warned of excessive traffic, but inside it was empty with both corridors open, and we were glad not to have to nudge anyone about this.  But when we cross the metal detector, it doesn't stop beeping.  We took off our jewelry and our numerous gold teeth, but it continued beeping until the last piece was removed, with the female soldiers scolding us to take it all off. 

We called the checkpoint commander to complain and discovered that the efficient Y. has been moved to another post.  He promised to speak to the new commander and tell him of the problem with the detector's calibration.  And indeed, the new commander called us and left his telephone number.

We'll check the metal detectors next week, because there are metal pieces which cannot be removed, such as teeth braces or rings which no longer slide off.

8:30  Wadi Nar

No serious traffic, perhaps because the soldiers who look bored and indifferent don't bother to stop any of the vehicles for checks.  Excellent! 

The gate between the Kedar road and the intersection (opposite the grocer's) is closed and locked.

9:00  Sheikh Jarrah

Last week the residents of Sheikh Jarrah agreed to shift the struggle from this location to Silwan in a moving act of collaboration and unity.  It's still early and only kids are scampering in the street.  The international volunteers are not here; they are on strike.
  • Abu Dis / Lazarus gate (formerly The Wicket)

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    •  

      Abu Dis / Lazarus Checkpoint/Gate (east of the former “wicket”)

      Construction of the wall in the Abu Dis area blocked all the gaps that allowed people to cross from al-Ezariya to the neighbourhoods of Abu Dis and Ras al 'Amud that are located within Jerusalem’s municipal boundary. The Lazarus checkpoint is a gate in the wall adjacent to the Lazarus Monastery. Until 2011 it had a door for pilgrims to al-Ezariya and for the monastery’s kindergarten pupils from al-Ezariya. The crossing is currently closed, but the site has infrastructure for conducting inspections.

  • Container (Wadi Nar)

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    •  Wadi Nar Checkpoint ("Container", "The Kiosk") - a barrier for vehicles in Area B that is regularly manned - east of Abu Dis between Sawahra A Sharqiya and Bethlehem and its daughters. Controls Palestinian movement between the north and south West-Bank. Includes driving routes, access roads, spikes, traffic lights and signs. There is no pedestrian crossing. Open 24 hours a day with random checks enhanced on security alerts. The checkpoint is in Palestinian territory, allowing for separation between the north and the south Palestinian areas when necessary.

      In 2015, the leading road from Azaria to Bethlehem was renovated, as well as the steep and narrow ascent to the Wadi Nar checkpoint, which was dangerously travelled in both directions! The temporary checkpoint was renovated and expanded, and pedestrian traffic was banned. From 2016, traffic travelling from the south bank to Azaria was directed to a one-way road near the Southern Keydar Jewish settlement.

      Machsomwatch shifts visit this far-fetched checkpoint only occasionally.

      (updated to July 2019)

       

  • Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal)

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    • A large checkpoint/crossing to the area of a-Tur, Abu Dis and the Old City; only for pedestrians. Located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.

      One of the major crossings in Jerusalem’s central sector. It is located on the separation fence between the northern portion of the al-Ezariya neighborhood and the neighborhood of a-Tur and the rest of East Jerusalem. It is manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than permanent residents of East Jerusalem (holders of blue ID cards) and holders of work and commercial permits who are allowed through only on foot.

  • Sheikh Sa'ed

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    • A checkpoint limited to pedestrians, located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.

      The checkpoint sits on the separation fence at the entrance to Sheikh Sa’ad, dividing it from its neighbourhood of Jabel Mukkabar. It’s manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than residents of Jabel Mukkabar or Sheikh Sa'ad who have permits. Both groups are permitted through only on foot. Residents of East Jerusalem who don’t live in Jabel Mukkabar are also allowed to cross to Sheikh Sa’ad, but not in the opposite direction; they must return through the Sawahira ash Sharqiya checkpoint.

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