Over the wall

From the Western Wall of the Temple Mount to Suleiman the Magnificent's battlements that encircle Jerusalem's old city - walls have been an ever present feature of the landscape in the 'Holy Land'.

In the West Bank, the separation barrier physically, socially and economically divides Palestinian controlled areas from Jewish settlements. The extremely controversial wall prevents human movement or contact between communities. 

On either side of the separation barrier communities live behind yet more walls, sealing themselves off from the outside world and each other.

The separation barrier does not follow any recognised border. At this point near Bethlehem it has been specifically routed to enclose Rachel's Tomb - a religious site revered by all three monotheistic religions.

The separation barrier does not follow any recognised border. At this point near Bethlehem it has been specifically routed to enclose Rachel's Tomb - a religious site revered by all three monotheistic religions.

 
A Jewish settlement on the outskirts of Bethlehem

A Jewish settlement on the outskirts of Bethlehem

The two tonne 'Key of Return' at the entrance of the Aida Refugee Camp was installed in 2008 - it was featured at the 7th Berlin Biennale in 2012.

The two tonne 'Key of Return' at the entrance of the Aida Refugee Camp was installed in 2008 - it was featured at the 7th Berlin Biennale in 2012.

Walls in Aida refugee camp - Bethlehem.

Walls in Aida refugee camp - Bethlehem.

The fence includes IDF observation points. This one near Bethlehem has been abandoned. 

The fence includes IDF observation points. This one near Bethlehem has been abandoned. 

Entrance to a UN supported school in Aida Refugee Camp - Bethlehem.

Entrance to a UN supported school in Aida Refugee Camp - Bethlehem.

The separation barrier divided Hebron Road, the main route between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. It also completely surrounded this house.

The separation barrier divided Hebron Road, the main route between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. It also completely surrounded this house.

An IDF checkpoint at an entrance to Al-Shuhada Street, Hebron - only residents and tourists are allowed to pass.

An IDF checkpoint at an entrance to Al-Shuhada Street, Hebron - only residents and tourists are allowed to pass.

Al-Shuhada Street was once a thriving commercial street. Palestinian businesses were forced to close in 1994 and have since been sealed shut.

Al-Shuhada Street was once a thriving commercial street. Palestinian businesses were forced to close in 1994 and have since been sealed shut.

The Hebron enclave has a strong security presence.

The Hebron enclave has a strong security presence.

Fence in Al-Shuhada Street - Hebron.

Fence in Al-Shuhada Street - Hebron.

Many Israeli's view the existence of this settlement as extremely controversial. A group of IDF veterans who served in Hebron founded the organisation Breaking the Silence to "expose the Israeli public to the reality of everyday life in the Occ…

Many Israeli's view the existence of this settlement as extremely controversialA group of IDF veterans who served in Hebron founded the organisation Breaking the Silence to "expose the Israeli public to the reality of everyday life in the Occupied Territories."