Merchant Khalil Nofal, 36, a resident of Samira Mis neighborhood says, ‘I have not been to go to Jerusalem for medical treatment for three months. I had to go to a nearby clinic at my expense although my economic situation is bad. I’d rather pay from my pocket than humiliate myself at the checkpoint.’

Khalil wonders, ‘I want to know why the checkpoint was placed? Israel claims that the motives are security. If this is true why does Israel not put the checkpoint in Jaffa St. in West Jerusalem to protect its citizens from possible terrorist attacks? Why are they hampering our freedom of movement and disrupting our life? This is an unjustified and unacceptable collective punishment. We pay our financial obligations and in return we get nothing from the municipality!’

Khalil Nofal owns a shop in Samira Mis neighborhood. The economic situation of the business is deteriorating as a result of the current situation. Its losses are estimated at 60%. Customers go to shops close to their place of residence. Even residents have reduced buying of foodstuffs because of their bad economic situation caused by the current situation, not to mention their inability to move from one place to another.‘We are not receiving goods as before because of the checkpoint. As a result, the shops suffer from a shortage of goods. Look at my shop. The shelves are almost empty. The checkpoint delays the arrival of goods to shops. It is 12.00 pm and the goods have not arrived yet. Is it a real disaster? Isn't! He added, 'The shops in Jaffa St. in West Jerusalem and others in the Jewish settlements have not been affected by the current situation. Their shops are open. They receive their goods and customers get what they want.’