Qalandiya: Blockades and closures in preparation for Ramadan
Give them a bullet, Ben Gvir said (in Hebrew the word for bullet also means ‘pill’). So they do, told me a friend, a taxi driver, and added that since war broke out there are already 15 dead among those trying to cross the Separation Wall to look for work and feed their families.
15 dead, and so many more injured and disabled. Shots are heard daily from Dahiyyat al-Barid, said my friend. Every early morning, military vehicles bring to the checkpoint those hunted down at night, and send them in to go on being needy and wanting.
One cannot ignore the changes instated around the checkpoint as preparation for the Ramadan month: roads blocked, crossings closed, concrete blocks moved nearer, and the parking area in front of the checkpoint decorated again with the “sterile area” sign, which means that the foot of anyone not armed and wearing army uniform ust not step there.
In view of othering the other that does not belong to “us”, the term “sterile” which is supposed to mean cleanliness is but a euphemism for a reality of filth.
Over everything and everyone stretched heavy haze. Dust particles stuck to one’s skin making breathing difficult. But the silver lining was that in this heavy haze one could not detect the horizon and the colonies that usually invade Palestinian lands actually disappeared.
On my way back, passing through the checkpoint, the soldier inspecting me took my ID and made me wait for 20 long minutes. (Why long? For unreasoned delay and no chance of release make time seem much longer). The soldier notified me that he is in charge and that I am under security investigation, and unlawfully refused to tell me his name. I heard him lecture me on how dangerous it is for me to sit where I did, that he and his likes protect me, and other cliches of this kind. After photographing me and calling whoever he did, he was joined by a woman-soldier (smoking on the job contrary to the sign saying “No Smoking”), I was free to go.
While I was delayed, many others passed, some detained. It was heart-rending to see children and boys who showed the nameless soldier their original birth certificate.
A side issue – I sympathize with people who insist on bending limitations and prohibitions.
Location Description
Qalandiya Checkpoint / Atarot Pass (Jerusalem)
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Click here to watch a video from Qalandiya checkpoint up to mid 2019 Three kilometers south of Ramallah, in the heart of Palestinian population. Integrates into "Jerusalem Envelope" as part of Wall that separates between northern suburbs that were annexed to Jerusalem in 1967: Kafr Aqab, Semiramis and Qalandiya, and the villages of Ar-Ram and Bir Nabala, also north of Jerusalem, and the city itself. Some residents of Kafr Aqab, Semiramis and Qalandiya have Jerusalem ID cards. A terminal operated by Israel Police has functioned since early 2006. As of August 2006, northbound pedestrians are not checked. Southbound Palestinians must carry Jerusalem IDs; holders of Palestinian Authority IDs cannot pass without special permits. Vehicular traffic from Ramallah to other West Bank areas runs to the north of Qalandiya. In February 2019, the new facility of the checkpoint was inaugurated aiming to make it like a "border crossing". The bars and barbed wire fences were replaced with walls of perforated metal panels. The check is now performed at multiple stations for face recognition and the transfer of an e-card. The rate of passage has improved and its density has generally decreased, but lack of manpower and malfunctions cause periods of stress. The development and paving of the roads has not yet been completed, the traffic of cars and pedestrians is dangerous, and t the entire vicinity of the checkpoint is filthy. In 2020 a huge pedestrian bridge was built over the vehicle crossing with severe mobility restrictions (steep stairs, long and winding route). The pedestrian access from public transport to the checkpoint from the north (Ramallah direction) is unclear, and there have been cases of people, especially people with disabilities, who accidentally reached the vehicle crossing and were shot by the soldiers at the checkpoint. In the summer of 2021, work began on a new, sunken entrance road from Qalandiya that will lead directly to Road 443 towards Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. At the same time, the runways of the old Atarot airport were demolished and infrastructure was prepared for a large bus terminal. (updated October 2021)
Tamar FleishmanApr-12-2026Qalandiya. Abdallah at his fruit stand
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