Al Sawahira ash Shariqiya Check Point

Can you imagine a barrier, not of brick and mortar, but of barbed wire and concrete blocks? This is the Al Sawahira ash Shariqiya Check Point. Before the second Intifada, this spot was just an occasional checkpoint. Israeli soldiers would briefly check IDs then move on. But after the Intifada erupted, Al Sawahira ash Shariqiya Check Point transformed. It became a permanent fixture, controlling the flow between the northern and southern West Bank. Imagine the frustration of Palestinians trying to reach their jobs, schools, or hospitals. Their daily lives were disrupted, their movements restricted. In 2004, the Israeli military seized nearly five dunums of land from As Sawahira ash Sharqiya and Abu Dis to formalize the checkpoint. This land belonged to residents Khalid El Sarfi and ‘Abed Allah Jamel. The order, issued by Moshe Kaplenski, solidified the checkpoint’s presence. It also added to the growing network of over 750 barriers fragmenting the West Bank. Initially, no private vehicles could pass Al Sawahira ash Shariqiya Check Point. People had to walk 250-300 meters, then climb a hill to bypass the checkpoint. This added significant time and hardship to their journeys. The Israelis then erected a barbed wire fence on the hill to further restrict movement. This forced Palestinians to find another route: a dangerous, steep slope, a kilometer long. Eventually, taxis were permitted through Al Sawahira ash Shariqiya Check Point, but private cars still needed permits. Taxis would queue, waiting for the soldier’s call to approach for inspection. The checkpoint, much like Gilo 300 near Bethlehem, became a symbol of restricted movement and control. The construction of Al Sawahira ash Shariqiya Check Point severely impacted the lives of Palestinians. It hindered their ability to work, access essential services, and connect with family and friends. It stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in the West Bank.