Container (Wadi Nar), Sheikh Saed, Silwan, Mon 5.8.13, Morning
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6:45 Sheikh Saed
Ramadan and summer vacation: the checkpoint is empty, but there are considerable changes in the area. The hill above the checkpoint, facing Jabel Mukhaber, has been shaved (and along with it the piles of garbage have disappeared); below it the work of preparing for route and wall is in progress, so the locals say. We checked with the Ba-Makom lobby who are apprised of the construction of the eastern ring road supposed to pass this exact point, and we learned that the plan has not yet been approved, but the wall will abut the road, so that work on this seems to have begun. We have no doubt that — since the creation of the present coalition — the Ministry of Defence has increased activity to seal the wall in the entire "Jerusalem Envelope" area, intending to lose no time.
Silwan
No checkpoints, but with augmented police presence on the eastern fringes of the Temple Mount. It would appear that someone is taking serious note of the intentions of the Temple faithful and their supporters, at least during Ramadan.
Wadi Nar
We can hear, but not see, work on the access roads from Al-Ezariya because the regular road is blocked and there is a detour through Sawaharra Al-Sharkiya — a remarkably steep ascent but slightly wider and less dangerous on the borders.
At the checkpoint we are greeted with raised weapons (but not, we hope, ready to fire), and hysterical calls to stop, as we approach our regular observation point by the small fence leading to the "governor's position". Our ID's are taken — a price for our absence from this place for 6 weeks. After urgent phone calls to the commander of the area, the checkpoint commander arrives, and the dust settles. We're ordered to stand a little further off. We were unable to get hold of T. from the Civil Administration to report the incident, but made a date to see him next week (Monday at 8) at the Olive Terminal DCO. Anyone wishing to join is welcome.
Az-Za'ayyem
We turned right at the Az-Za'ayyem checkpoint to check on progress in construction of the wall and roads in this area — it should be recalled that in the future Palestinian traffic will be redirected to the south of the West Bank via a by-pass under the French Hill-Ma'aleh Adumim road. The Wall now reaches as far as the lower checkpoint, and there is no passage to A-Tur. We were compelled to drive back as far as the roundabout to the entrance of Ma'aleh Adumim. return to the Az-Za'ayyem.
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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Sheikh Sa'ed
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A checkpoint limited to pedestrians, located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.
The checkpoint sits on the separation fence at the entrance to Sheikh Sa’ad, dividing it from its neighbourhood of Jabel Mukkabar. It’s manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than residents of Jabel Mukkabar or Sheikh Sa'ad who have permits. Both groups are permitted through only on foot. Residents of East Jerusalem who don’t live in Jabel Mukkabar are also allowed to cross to Sheikh Sa’ad, but not in the opposite direction; they must return through the Sawahira ash Sharqiya checkpoint.
Jun-16-2025United Jerusalem
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Silwan
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Silwan is south of the Old City of Jerusalem and has become one of the main confrontation areas with settlers.
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