Container (Wadi Nar)
Wadi Nar
We decided to drive to Wadi Nar because of the winter break declared by the Palestinian Authority.
We found the checkpoint deserted, and vehicles crossed without interference.
Gradually some soldiers turned up and started to circulate in the area, finally settling down on the right side (perhaps because it is the sunny side). They stopped cars — at random — on the way to Bethlehem for inspections which were very slow. We had the feeling that this conduct had to do with our presence, and therefore preferred to leave. But not before a pack of dogs surrounded us with ear-splitting barks and bared teeth. This is an old problem in the Wadi Nar area, causing great annoyance to the nearby residents, and which may end in physical injury. But no one, it seems, will deal with it.
The new road is open to traffic to both sides.
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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