Anata-Shuafat, Issawiya
In general: Another difficult morning. The soldiers and border police believe with all their hearts that they are toiling on behalf of security. But the impression is all of cruel collective punishment, spreading hatred and frustration. We all know where this is leading.
Issawiya, near French Hill
When we arrived, an orderly row of men arranged itself on one side of the concrete blocks and waited. On the other side, children, women and the elderly crossed without inspection. The younger people displayed ID's and continued on their way. It seems the soldiers were bored and tired of this activity, and later almost anyone who arrived was allowed to cross without inspection.
Again the heart aches at the sight of an older sick man, who has difficulty climbing up the steep road, assisted on either side by young men.
Issawiya, the gas station on the old road to Ma'aleh Adumim
Concrete blocks prevent the passage of all vehicles, but pedestrians cross without inspection. The vehicles cross through the nearby lot, after inspection. We could not make out who was allowed and who forbidden to cross.
One of the border-policemen talked to us. He was offended by the suggestion that there was an abuse of human rights, saying that he greets with a "good morning" every newcomer who looks reasonable. And occupation? Well, according to him, all the world's states are occupied….
Issawiya, opposite 'Adumim Fortress'
This is the only exit for vehicles from Issawiya — only one lane for entry and exit. Most of those entering are not checked, and an effort is made to prevent jamming of the main road. Those leaving are checked slowly, those checking are in no hurry to go anywhere. It was hard to estimate the length of the traffic jam.
We parked on the left, near another block on a dirt road leading to a car-wash place. The men inspecting left their post and came to send us away, saying politely that we were in the way. We insisted on being told whose way, and why. When we asked to park our car near the dumpster, we were refused because there were "no parking" marks (red and white) on the pave-stones. We remained where we were, and tried not to laugh too much.
Shuafat checkpoint
A horror
Checkpoint Shu'afat camp / Anata-Shu'afat (Jerusalem)
See all reports for this place-
The Shu’afat checkpoint is located in the northern part of East Jerusalem at the exit from the village of Anata and the Shu’afat refugee camp, which are located in the area annexed to Jerusalem in 1967. The refugee camp borders the Shu’afat neighborhood to the west, Pisgat Ze’ev to the north, the French Hill neighborhood to the south and the planned expansion of Ma’aleh Adumim to E-1 in the east. It was established in 1966 for 1948 refugees from the West Bank and was populated after the Six Day War by persons who had been expelled from the Jewish Quarter. Today its population comprises some 25,000 people holding blue ID cards and some 15,000 people with Palestinian ID cards. The camp lacks adequate infrastructure and services, and suffers from poverty, neglect and overcrowding. All its buildings are connected to the public electricity and water infrastructure, but not all are connected to the sewer system. The camp’s services are provided by UNRWA, except for those such as health clinics and transportation of pupils to schools in Jerusalem. In 2005, the Israeli High Court of Justice rejected a suit by the residents requesting that the route of the separation fence be drawn such that the camp would remain on the Israeli side, but conditioned its approval of the route on the establishment of a convenient and rapid crossing facility for the inhabitants of the neighborhood, most of whom are residents of Jerusalem.
A temporary checkpoint operated there until December, 2011. It was extremely congested during rush hours, and dangerous for pedestrians (especially children) because of inadequate safety provisions. The new checkpoint was inaugurated south of the old one, for public and private transportation and for pedestrians, intended solely for the residents of the camp – holders of blue ID cards, and those with Palestinian ID cards who possess appropriate permits. There are five vehicle inspection stations at the checkpoint, and two for pedestrians (one of which is currently closed) where scanners have been installed but are not yet operating. According to the army, representatives of government agencies will also be present to provide services to residents of the neighbourhood. The pedestrian lanes are very long, located far from the small parking lots, and accessible through only a single revolving gate.
Anat TuegJan-25-2026Anata: A new outpost has been built south of the junction
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