Al-Ezariya, Container (Wadi Nar), Mon 2.7.12, Afternoon
El Azariya
Things were very quiet in Azariya.
Wadi Nar
When we arrived at Wadi Nar, traffic (which was heavier than usual) was proceeding without difficulty, but we noticed that a car with yellow plates was detained at the checkpoint. The front hood, the trunk and all the doors were open and the vehicle was being very carefully inspected. At the same time, there was a change of guard and there was an unusually large number of troops around. Several came over to the vehicle and at first, we thought that the whole thing might have been a training exercise into how to check out a suspect vehicle.
At the same time, several soldiers were standing at the rear of the small detention booth at the checkpoint. About a half hour later, an Israeli police car pulled up and a young man, in handcuffs, was led from the booth to the police vehicle. We do not know why that particular car was stopped — at first we thought it was because it had Israeli plates, but other cars with Israeli plates did go through without being stopped—or whether they found contraband objects, or whether there was a look out for that particular person.
In any case, during this whole time, all other vehicles in both directions continued without delay, and without inspection.
Al-'Eizariya
See all reports for this place-
Al-'Eizariya
At exit from Al-'Eizariya, before square leading to Maale Adumim. Mobile checkpoint (jeep and Border Police) operating till 09:00 am, facilitating traffic exiting Maale Adumin on three kilometer strip of road, also permissible for Palestinian vehicles. A similar checkpoint in the opposite direction, on road between Mishor Adumim and Adumim Junction. This checkpoint facilitates settler traffic on the Jerusalem-Jericho-Rift Valley road.
-
Container (Wadi Nar)
See all reports for this place-
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)
-