Abu Dis, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed, Thu 8.10.09, Morning

We went down to see the Nofei Zahav settlement -- a massive block of buildings, mostly occupied it seems. 

A colourful playground for the children has been constructed; but the veteran children of Jabel Mukhaber still await their own playground.  Don't their parents also pay municipal taxes?

7:00  Sheikh Saed 

As soon as we got out of the car we were met with shouts to park further away.  Why? Those are the instructions. 

We  explained that we have been parking in the same place every week, for years now.

With that the event was over -- perhaps someone had stretched the permitted boundaries of harrassment.

 

Traffic flows at the checkpoint. Adults are asked to place their  belongings on an improvised table.  Two cartons of Tnuva long-lasting milk were a problem -- they were not allowed to cross, and were returned. 

Again shouts to move the car, this time directed at a resident of Sheikh Saed.

In Ras Al Amud the new building in the Moskovitch settlement appears finished. 

Two border-policemen  stand at the intersection facing a group of boys.  The situation looks tense.  One of the border policemen pulls out a camera and starts filming the boys.

The Pishpash

Hardly anyone crossing.  Construction is going on close to the checkpoint and across the monastery area. 

Some of the wall's concrete barriers have changed their location.

Zeitim Crossing

 

Sparse traffic; crossing time is c. 5 minutes.