Abu Dis and Sawahre checkpoints, Wednesday PM, 24 Dec 2003.MachsomWatch Observers: R.H., J.W., R.W., and a guest We approached the Abu Dis checkpoint from the direction of Augusta Victoria, and found that there was an “impromptu checkpoint” on the road about 400 meters from the pishpash [pedestrian roadside passageway]. At the pishpash, there was an unusually large number of Border Police who were randomly checking some of the people in both directions.We drove up to the hotel which was totally deserted. No security forces, no BP, no people. From the back of what used to be the hotel garden, we saw the Separation Wall progressing apace. Several bulldozers, trucks, and cranes were working nonstop to erect the 8-meter-high barricades. After we climbed over the wall at the pishpash, we were approached by a man, M.M., who spoke to us in perfect English. He is from Azariah and his wife and children live in Ras el Amud. He has a document from the Interior Ministry indicating that he is a candidate for “family reunification”, but the IDF soldiers and BPs would not let him cross. He is afraid to risk circumventing them, because he said that that might endanger his status. He was told to go to the Etzion DCO [civil administration office] for final approval. He said that every time he has gone there, he has been given a runaround — even though he has all the necessary documentation. I told him that I would relay the message to MachsomWatch and perhaps one of the teams that goes to the Etzion DCO would accompany him to speed things along. We continued on to Sawahre (the “Container”) checkpoint. We had a great driver who took us to several new lookout points where we were able to see the “progress” of the wall. While facing Jabel Muhaber, we saw not only the winding path of the wall and the separation fence, but also a Druid like circular barricade on top of a huge dirt mound which will be the new HQ for the police who are currently situated in Talpiot. At the Container, there was a huge line up of vehicles in both directions — perhaps 30 – 40 each way– and nothing was moving. When we appeared, with cameras and notebook and asked if there was a total “closure,” the BP’s said no. We then asked why nothing was moving. That very moment, the soldiers started calling for vehicles from both directions to start passing. Within minutes, dozens went through. There were 3 ambulances that passed (in both directions) and were allowed through after quick checks, as well as trucks, vans, and private cars. It was getting dark, and we had to leave, but with the uncomfortable feeling that as soon as we were gone, the traffic would again come to a halt.