Abu Dis, Container (Wadi Nar), Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed, Tue 3.2.09, Morning
7:10 Sheikh Saed
Crossing is smooth, despite interruptions to record some of those going through the checkpoint. The soldier told us that he records only the people he doesn't know, and — as always — he was unable to tell where and to what end this information is sent.
8:00 Zeitim Crossiing
The checkpoint is fairly empty, two corridors are operating, and the sparse traffic flows.
9:00 Wadi Nar
Traffic flowing. When we arrived we saw two detained vehicles just being released. Otherwise, a number of vehicles were detained and then released within a short time.
The checkpoint is tranquil. Once in a while vehicles were stopped then released within a short time. We met A., a pleasant and courteous border police officer.
9:40 Sheikh Jerach, Um-Kamal's protest tent
We met Um-Kamal who told us that there will be a hearing of her case in the magistrates' court on Feb. 19th. She sounded optimistic and encouraged, and expressed the hope of returning to her home soon because she had no doubt that the court would understand that the settlers' documents were forgeries.
Later we spoke with Meir Margalit who explained that the court does not deal with her case directly or with the possiblity of her return to her home, but with legal issues around the rights of settlers to submit a tender for occupying the house. And if they are turned down this time, they will try again for the tender under a different name for a Registered Association. In practice, any Israeli citizen can compete for such a tender (and we wondered why there is no left-wing organisation to pick up the gauntlet and compete). In any event, whoever wishes to call Um-Kamal, to visit and support her: 050-7877566
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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
Avital CFeb-27-2026Jerusalem, Damascus Gate: Crowd rushing to prayer
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