Back to reports search page

Al-Ezariya, Container (Wadi Nar), Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Mon 9.9.13, Afternoon

Place: Al-'Eizariya Container (Wadi Nar) Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal)
Tags: Children
Observers: Julia W., Rahel W. (reporting)
Sep-09-2013
| Afternoon
 
Olive Terminal
 
We went first to the Zeitun checkpoiht.  When we were there two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to speak to several Palestinians who complained that an area, which had previously been open and through which people without permits managed to get through had just that morning been closed with barbed wire.  Obviously, the area had purposely been left open for some time and the man with whom we spoke could not understand why it was suddenly closed.  While we spoke with him, several more people approached the former opening and tried pushing aside the barbed wire.  Within minutes, four black clad security guards approached, together with a policeman and those who had thought about crossing disappeared from sight.
 
We wanted to examine the situation today.  The barbed wire is still there but if someone wanted to get through, he could.  In fact, while we were in the area, several people came through.  The area is in clear sight of the watch tower so it is hard to believe that this infiltration goes unnoticed.  One man, who did not cross through called to us to complain that the toilet facilities in the waiting area were not functioning for six weeks.  I promised that I would put that information into my report.  
 
En route to Al Azariah, we noticed that there is road work being done in proximity of an area that during the winter was the habitat of Bedouins.  While there is still a Bedouin encampment nearby, the previous site where we saw them is now totally evacuated.
 
Wadi Nar
 
There was very little traffic at Wadi Nar.  No vehicles or individuals were detained.  One man approached us and asked for help in getting his name removed from the Shabach list.  We referred him to Sylvia,.
 
 

  • 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)

       

  • Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal)

    See all reports for this place

    • 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.

Donate