Abu-Dis

Abu-Dis checkpoint and
environs

Observers: SB, RL, CA

Abu Dis: Near the gas station, a BP jeep was driving up and down to
the hotel catching jumpers". The minute the jeep turned its
back, a sign was given and the crossing started again, some of the
crossers disappearing in side streets, possibly to be caught
further down the road, or maybe making it to work, school etc. No
one opens the iron gate for the little kids, who jump and skip over
the wall at their peril (with heavy schoolbags) to go to
school.

Sawahre: The gate was wide open. The new BP were friendly, for a
change. Hardly anyone was there for the half hour to 45 minutes we
were on the spot. The ones who were, passed after a check, except
one truck whose permit was outdated. We wondered why so few people
passed on the first day after a two-week closure.

Ma'ale Adumim roadblock: Two long lines of cars were subjected to
checks. It did not take very long (some ten minutes), but the
workers waiting on the side of the road were not as lucky. Dozens
were waiting to finally get some work and some money, many, many
were turned back. Those went back to the end of the line, awaiting
the disappearance of the army and a chance to cross, even if to be
late for work. One man told us he had come from Hebron, leaving
home at 04:00