Container (Wadi Nar), Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Tue 20.11.07, Afternoon
When we arrived at the Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal) at about 14:15, there were some school children returning to the Palestinian side without any interference. We were able to note this from the time it took for them to enter the building until they emerged. Since the last time we were here, the entire area has been lined with sheeting that prevents one from looking in to see what is going on inside.
At Wadi Naar, there was a line of about 10 vehicles heading south, and three vehicles coming north. Two border policewomen with their dogs were examining a van . While they were busy examing the van off to the side of the road, no one paid any attention to the cars that wanted to head north.
There were 5 border policemen at the checkpoint (that we could see) but they seemed to operate in the most unprofessional, haphazard way imaginable. At times, just one B.P. was waving vehicles through from both directions. Other times, all five B.P. were outside chatting among themselves with no one calling cars through. When buses came through, two B.P. boarded them and checked all i.d.'s Then they would disappear inside while the vehicles waited and the lines built up. Then, everyone would be quickly waved through without a glance. At times, the B.P. would forget to look towards the cars heading north and then long lines would build up.
No one was detained for more than a few minutes so, obviously, whoever was doing the checking inside was working more efficiently than his peers outside.
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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