Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed
5:30 Sheikh Saed
For the first time we're observing from the inside (instead of the outside), where people are checked in the small room inside the checkpoint. As in the every checkpoint, there are a whole lot of turnstiles, also in the exit lane from Jerusalem — at least four. What we did not see is a lane for the handicapped and for baby buggies: leading from the first turnstile at which one enters the checkpoint space, there is a narrow and steep staircase.
People entered one by one into the checking room, and at this hour the lines were long, sometimes all the way up the stairs. Above the door there is a red and green light, supposed to indicate when the room is free. But the lights were not working, and people held the door slightly open in order to know when to move in, until someone was inspired to wedge the door open with a stone. This is supposed to be a new checkpoint, but it's already showing signs of age, even before its new installations have begun to function properly.
6:00 Olive Terminal
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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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.
Avital CFeb-27-2026Jerusalem, Damascus Gate: Crowd rushing to prayer
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