Jerusalem: A Closed City

Authors

  • Author

  • Jerusalem Story Team

Keywords:

Palestinians, Jerusalem, Entry Permit, Checkpoints

Abstract

For millions of Palestinians, Jerusalem is a closed city. Entry is largely forbidden and only occasionally allowed for brief, limited periods with an entry permit granted at Israel’s behest. Only holders of Israeli IDs (whether Jerusalem residents or Israeli citizens) have the right to enter the city, and even they must pass through checkpoints. This study explores how closure has barred generations of Palestinians from experiencing the cultural and historical nexus that served as the region’s hub for hundreds of years. Since checkpoints have also been installed within the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem, closure also imposes grave hardships on Palestinian Jerusalemites with Israeli permanent-resident IDs who live on the “other” side of the checkpoints.

References

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  6. However, the ID is checked by computer at the checkpoint. If their name is flagged as having a “security record”, they will not be allowed to cross. And the security record is not necessarily due to the individual’s actions only. See: “Banned from Entry,” Jerusalem Story , 2/5/2021, accessed on 24/6/2025, at: https://tinyurl.com/3mnecewj
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  35. Ibid., pp. 257-260. Credit: Delayed Gratification, as posted on the Public Intelligence website
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  52. Rijke, pp. 248-256. Credit: Debbie Hill, UPI via Alamy Stock Photo
  53. “Unclassified Status of Authorizations for Entry of Palestinians into Israel,” pp. 34-37.
  54. Al-Monaseq is the official Arabic Facebook page of the COGAT. It was established in 2016 as part of the Israeli Civil Administration to address the Palestinians. It became one of the media outlets through which Israeli officials publish news to the Palestinians. On several occasions, Palestinian activists have called for boycotting the page.
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Vol. 8 No. 019 (2025): Issue 019

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