Abu Dis, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed, Silwan, Tue 26.6.12, Morning
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Observers:
Idit S., Ya'ara (visitor), Anat T. (reporting)
Jun-26-2012
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Morning
6:45 Sheikh Saed Checkpoint
Once again we encountered the chronic problem of crossing the checkpoint to the hill above in order to observe and meet those waiting. The soldiers are new and know nothing of our organisation, ditto those on duty in the enveloping headquarters who had never heard of our observations. At police and border-police headquarters, on the other hand, they are certain that we are not allowed to cross, and require a direct order from the DCO -- which is not open at this hour. We persist, and call headquarters of the Civil Administration
, asking to speak to the officer on duty. It takes a while until the border-police area commander arrives. He already knows, and we cross and return. This is the last week of municipal elementary schools and there is little traffic.
, asking to speak to the officer on duty. It takes a while until the border-police area commander arrives. He already knows, and we cross and return. This is the last week of municipal elementary schools and there is little traffic.8:00 Drive through Silwan
Somehow it seems to us that there are more Israeli flags flying in the neighbourhood, but a local resident tells us there are no new settlers' buildings. Work near City of David continues apace, and in the area close to the playground evacuated about two months ago we see a space intended for exit from the tourist route of City of David, located under Palestinian homes.
8:30 Olive Terminal
The condition of the toilets is appalling. The checkpoint commander tells us that the pipes and toilets had been broken, therefore there is no water, and no cleaning. He has asked for a budget of thousands of shekels to fix things ahead of Ramadan.
At the checkpoint only one booth is open, aside from the one leading to the DCO which no one is using. A line of some 20-25 is moving slowly -- 30 minutes at least to cross. After we called the checkpoint commander, a second booth was opened and things speeded up until the line disappeared.
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