Container (Wadi Nar)
Anata
Everything was pretty much the same at the Anata checkpoint – all crossings in both direction proceeding without interference.
Azariah was quieter than usual. However, at Wadi Nar, there was a huge backup of traffic from Azariah leading into the checkpoint. We could not detect any reason for the backup because we did not detect any unusual inspections or delays.
On the road leading from Azariah to Wadi Nar, we noticed new land work being done. Unfortunately, the person we used to contact about all these changes no longer lives in the area. We did ask some of the shopkeepers, but their limited English (and no Hebrew) and our limited Arabic did not produce much enlightenment.
Situation remains the same in Issawiya.
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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