Qalandiya, Tue 5.3.13, Morning
Translator: Charles K.
Even though the checkpoint had operated in an organized, efficient and convenient manner during the past few weeks, today everything was back to normal. This morning was the worst we’ve seen in a long time. The revolving gates hadn’t yet opened when we arrived before 06:00. Hundreds of people jammed the entrances to the three revolving gates; they began shouting, even climbing the gates. The humanitarian gate, which should have opened at 06:00, didn’t open until 06:20. Dozens of people had come early, hoping it would open on time. They all had permits for hospital appointments or medical treatment at locations past the checkpoint. I called the DCO twice to find out what the problem was, and each time the soldier who answered told me to call back in ten minutes. The police officer, the soldier and the security guard in charge of the humanitarian gate didn’t show up until 06:20, and it finally opened. The revolving gates also opened, but only about four people made it to the lines at each of the five inspection booths. Hundreds of people were still outside; the biting cold and the rain only made it worse for everyone.
We heard from the ecumenical representative and the staff that the situation at Qalandiya has been unbearable since Sunday. We asked the police officer in charge why, in contrast to recent weeks, things suddenly changed and the checkpoint no longer operated smoothly. His reply: “Situations change…” (??!!). There was still a line to the revolving gates at 07:30, but it was shorter. Qalandiya’s reputation as one of the worst checkpoints is, in fact, justified. People don’t know from one day to the next or one week to the next what to expect when they arrive at the entrance. They can’t plan their day, their routine. It’s all random.
Qalandiya Checkpoint / Atarot Pass (Jerusalem)
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Click here to watch a video from Qalandiya checkpoint up to mid 2019 Three kilometers south of Ramallah, in the heart of Palestinian population. Integrates into "Jerusalem Envelope" as part of Wall that separates between northern suburbs that were annexed to Jerusalem in 1967: Kafr Aqab, Semiramis and Qalandiya, and the villages of Ar-Ram and Bir Nabala, also north of Jerusalem, and the city itself. Some residents of Kafr Aqab, Semiramis and Qalandiya have Jerusalem ID cards. A terminal operated by Israel Police has functioned since early 2006. As of August 2006, northbound pedestrians are not checked. Southbound Palestinians must carry Jerusalem IDs; holders of Palestinian Authority IDs cannot pass without special permits. Vehicular traffic from Ramallah to other West Bank areas runs to the north of Qalandiya. In February 2019, the new facility of the checkpoint was inaugurated aiming to make it like a "border crossing". The bars and barbed wire fences were replaced with walls of perforated metal panels. The check is now performed at multiple stations for face recognition and the transfer of an e-card. The rate of passage has improved and its density has generally decreased, but lack of manpower and malfunctions cause periods of stress. The development and paving of the roads has not yet been completed, the traffic of cars and pedestrians is dangerous, and t the entire vicinity of the checkpoint is filthy. In 2020 a huge pedestrian bridge was built over the vehicle crossing with severe mobility restrictions (steep stairs, long and winding route). The pedestrian access from public transport to the checkpoint from the north (Ramallah direction) is unclear, and there have been cases of people, especially people with disabilities, who accidentally reached the vehicle crossing and were shot by the soldiers at the checkpoint. In the summer of 2021, work began on a new, sunken entrance road from Qalandiya that will lead directly to Road 443 towards Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. At the same time, the runways of the old Atarot airport were demolished and infrastructure was prepared for a large bus terminal. (updated October 2021)
Tamar FleishmanFeb-27-2026Qalandiya: On the way to prayer
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