Since 2001 we have observed dozens of army checkpoints on paved and unpaved roads in the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and along the Separation Fence; Civil Administration offices which grant permits to Palestinians; and military courts trying Palestinian prisoners. We stand at the checkpoints observing the behavior of soldiers and Palestinians without interfering, intervening only when soldiers behave offensively to Palestinians. Then we try to speak to the soldiers themselves or telephone...

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'Anata-Shu'afat, Abu Dis, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed, Fri 18.5.12, Morning

Date: 18/05/2012 ,Morning

Observers: Rahel M., Michaela R. (reporting)

Abu Dis (the Wicket)

Lazarus Checkpoint/Gate (east of the former “wicket”)

Construction of the wall in the Abu Dis area blocked all the gaps that allowed people to cross from al-Ezariya to the neighbourhoods of Abu Dis and Ras al 'Amud that are located within Jerusalem’s municipal boundary. The Lazarus checkpoint is a gate in the wall adjacent to the Lazarus Monastery. Until 2011 it had a door for pilgrims to al-Ezariya and for the monastery’s kindergarten pupils from al-Ezariya. The crossing is currently closed, but the site has infrastructure for conducting inspections.

Close description

5:55 Sheikh Saed

About 20 persons in a growing line; ten munutes later a line of some 30 reaches the slope. Checking proceeds slowly.

The line is crowded, mostly men. A woman asked to move to the descending corridor to avoid bodily friction, but the man in the booth sent her back to the crowded line.

At 6:15 the children start to arrive, making their way through the crowd. One by one they display their permits at the booth. A little one, 5 or 6 years old, stretches his body to reach the booth's window.

Crossing time: over 10 minutes.

A young man is refused.

7:00 Olive Terminal

Sheep and goats wander into the waiting shelter.

At the checkpoint itself, movement is fast.

Anata

The bus area is lively with pupils.

At the checkpoints for both pedestrians and vehicles -- occupation routine continues.