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Abu Dis, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed, Wed 13.5.09, Morning

Observers: Anat T., Edna P., Shira W. (reporting)
May-13-2009
| Morning
7:00 Sheikh Sa'ed

Traffic flowing.  Selective manual registration takes place ('for whoever we decide' said the company commander who happened to be present).  From what we observed, the commander checked expediently, exercising good judgement, we thought, when necessary.

 

Long lines of congested traffic on the way to the  Zeitim crossing, due to the Pope's visit.

8:00 Zeitim Crossing

We crossed the checkpoint eastward.  Two corridors were open, traffic flowing.  We learned from people at the checkpoint that since the opening at 5 a.m. there had been a larger than usual number of persons crossing, due to the Pope's visit and the blocking of the Rachel Crossing, and it appeared that the checkpoint had prepared for that. Two persons we spoke to separately told us that despite the large numbers of people lines were not long, and that four corridors had been open around 5 a.m. to deal with pressure.

  • Abu Dis / Lazarus gate (formerly The Wicket)

    See all reports for this place
    •  

      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.

  • 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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