Container (Wadi Nar), Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Thu 22.8.13, Morning
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6:15 Olive Terminal
Entrance to the parking lot is blocked by vehicles of the security forces. We were told preparations were under way for construction of the wall. At this hour only one truck was parked there, whereas on other days there are dozens of buses, minibuses and private vehicles. No reasons were given.
Public transportation had to crowd at the bottom, forcing people to walk, and creating chaos.
Wadi Nar
The work of mending the road has not been completed.
We parked by the grocery shop. A pair of border policemen, accompanied by a pack of dogs, prowled around. They complained to us about the dogs who followed them.
At the checkpoint the soldiers were absorbed in their private business and the vehicles went through without inspection, except for one taxi which was delayed briefly.
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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Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal)
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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.
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