Abu Dis, Wadi Nar

Abu Dis, Wadi Naar, Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 p.m.

Observers: Chana G., Julia W., Rahel W. reporting

Traffic moved quickly and without incident at Wadi Naar.

However, there have been several changes in traffic conditions which could affect our teams.

The road from Qedar to Wadi Naar is marked as one way -- in the direction from Wadi Naar to Qedar. (We travelled this road, against the arrows without incident, but this could change).

At the Wadi Naar intersection, there are new signs pointing to Ramallah and Abu Dis from Wadi Naar toward the Qedar intersection. However, the road was blocked!!! so the signs indicated travel that could not happen.

Also, the road from Wadi Naar toward Azariah had a new sign indicating that traffic was allowed only from Azariah toward Wadi Naar. (Vehicles continued to travel in both directions while we were there).

Finally, a new building has been under construction south of the checkpoint. Perhaps this will become a permanent crossing area like A Zeitun and Qalandiya, even though this would be constructed right in the middle of two Palestinian areas. Who knows?

There was a large group of workers returning when we were there and vans lined up to take them to their destinations.

Once again, a quiet, uneventful shift.

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.

Ras Abu Sbeitan (Olive Terminal)

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 neighbourhood and the neighbourhood 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.

Sheikh Sa'ad

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.

Abu Dis, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed, Thu 2.6.11, Morning