THE BARRIER IN JERUSALEM
Access to East Jerusalem is of critical importance for the entire West Bank population, for specialized medical care, university education, work, social and family relationships and worship. For most Palestinians this access has been forbidden since 1993, unless they possess a difficult-to-obtain entry permit issued by the Israeli authorities. Since the Barrier was completed in the area, permit holders are allowed to enter East Jerusalem only through four of the 16 existing checkpoints to the city along the Barrier, and only by foot. Permits become invalid whenever a general closure is declared, usually during Jewish holidays and times of security alert.
Humanitarian Impact:
- The Barrier in Jerusalem weaves around and between East Jerusalem and nearby West Bank towns and villages, dividing communities and neighbourhoods from each other.
- Villages that were once closely connected to Jerusalem now lie on the West Bank side of the Barrier, physically separated from the city.
- The Barrier surrounds entire communities, such as the Bir Nabala enclave, with an inner barrier, with access channelled through 'Fabric of Life' roads.
- The Barrier cuts off West Bank Palestinians and care providers from specialist and tertiary health care in the six specialist hospitals in East Jerusalem.
- The Barrier divides entire families: husbands and wives are separated from each other, children and relatives.
- The Barrier delays school and university students and teachers from accessing educational services in Jerusalem.
- The Barrier cuts off Muslims and Christians from religious sites in Jerusalem.
