'Anata-Shu'afat, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal)

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Observers: 
Rahel M., Michaela R. (reporting)
Dec-10-2015
|
Morning

 

 
Difficult morning at Olive Terminal, horrendous morning at Shuafat Checkpoint
 

6:30: Olive Terminal
 

The parking lot is full, raising suspicions about the pace of exit from the checkpoint.  When we got close we heard great turmoil, shouts and rattling of the fences.

When we entered we saw a long line in front of the checking stands, the outer turnstile locked, and a crowd of people pushing against it.

Two of the security forces tried to deal with the uproar.  They opened a side passage (which we had never seen in the past) for women and children.  The outer turnstile was opened and people lined up. Three checking stands were operative.  When we passed the inner turnstile we saw that the same people were helping to check documents, thereby speeding up the tempo of crossing.
 

Shuafat Checkpoint
 

Much has been said of this awful checkpoint, and nothing changes.  The turnstile opens with excruciating slowness, every 60-90 seconds.  Waiting time: 50 minutes.