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‘Anata-Shu’afat, Abu Dis, Al-Ezariya, Container (Wadi Nar), Mon 30.1.12, Afternoon

Observers: Rahel W., (reporting) a guest from Jerusalem
Jan-30-2012
| Afternoon

 

Anata 

It was a dismal, rainy, foggy afternoon.  We went first to the Anata checkpoint in time to see children from the Israeli side returning home to the other side of the checkpoint and vice versa.  There were no delays, however it was not pleasant watching the children having to walk over 100 meters to and from the checkpoint in the pouring rain on their way to their respective destinations

Al Ezariya 

When we arrived at Ezariya, we were somewhat apprehensive about taking the new road from the town center toward Wadi Nar because of the weather conditions.  Even in good weather, the new road can be treacherous – especially since vehicles of all sizes are known to ignore the one way direction and approach on coming traffic.  However, we wanted to get to Wadi Nar and were uncertain about getting there via the confusing roads of Ezariya and Sawahra so we took the new route.  PLEASE NOTE!  PERHAPS AS A RESULT OF THE INCLEMENT WEATHER, THERE ARE SEVERAL VERY BAD POTHOLES ON THE ROAD – ABOUT HALFWAY UP THE ONEWAY PART OF THE HIGHWAY AND AVOIDED HITTING ONE (WHICH COULD HAVE TORN A TIRE TO PIECES) ONLY AT THE VERY LAST MOMENT!.  For those taking that route, please drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled on the road ahead.

Wadi Nar 

There was very little traffic at Wadi Nar and, perhaps because of the weather, we saw no workers going through during the time we were there.  Traffic moved quickly and uneventfully.


 

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  • 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.

  • Al-'Eizariya

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    • 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.

  • Checkpoint Shu'afat camp / Anata-Shu'afat (Jerusalem)

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    • The Shu’afat checkpoint is located in the northern part of East Jerusalem at the exit from the village of Anata and the Shu’afat refugee camp, which are located in the area annexed to Jerusalem in 1967. The refugee camp borders the Shu’afat neighborhood to the west, Pisgat Ze’ev to the north, the French Hill neighborhood to the south and the planned expansion of Ma’aleh Adumim to E-1 in the east.  It was established in 1966 for 1948 refugees from the West Bank and was populated after the Six Day War by persons who had been expelled from the Jewish Quarter.  Today its population comprises some 25,000 people holding blue ID cards and some 15,000 people with Palestinian ID cards.  The camp lacks adequate infrastructure and services, and suffers from poverty, neglect and overcrowding.  All its buildings are connected to the public electricity and water infrastructure, but not all are connected to the sewer system.  The camp’s services are provided by UNRWA, except for those such as health clinics and transportation of pupils to schools in Jerusalem.  In 2005, the Israeli High Court of Justice rejected a suit by the residents requesting that the route of the separation fence be drawn such that the camp would remain on the Israeli side, but conditioned its approval of the route on the establishment of a convenient and rapid crossing facility for the inhabitants of the neighborhood, most of whom are residents of Jerusalem.

      A temporary checkpoint operated there until December, 2011.  It was extremely congested during rush hours, and dangerous for pedestrians (especially children) because of inadequate safety provisions.  The new checkpoint was  inaugurated south of the old one, for public and private transportation and for pedestrians, intended solely for the residents of the camp – holders of blue ID cards, and those with Palestinian ID cards who possess appropriate permits.  There are five vehicle inspection stations at the checkpoint, and two for pedestrians (one of which is currently closed) where scanners have been installed but are not yet operating.  According to the army, representatives of government agencies will also be present to provide services to residents of the neighbourhood.  The pedestrian lanes are very long, located far from the small parking lots, and accessible through only a single revolving gate.

       

      ענתא: מעגל תנועה חדש בצומת היציאה
      Anat Tueg
      Jan-30-2012
      Anata: new traffic circle at the exit junction
  • 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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