Baqa ash-Sharqiya
What was once a Palestinian town known as Baqa is now two separate towns, split in half during the construction of Israel’s separation wall.
Baqa ash-Sharqiya is the eastern town, with Baqa al-Gharbiya (west) located 3km away and under Israeli control. The main road through the town leads directly to the oppressive wall, where there is an Israeli checkpoint through which residents can cross.
Despite the inevitable hostile atmosphere the wall brings, Baqa ash-Sharqiya is still a moderately attractive and green town. Its high street is populated with friendly shop vendors and the odd market stall piled high with fresh produce from the surrounding farmland.
Baqa ash-Sharqiya is located 16km northeast of Tulkarem, the capital of the governorate, and is home to the Mother and Child medical centre which serves three surrounding villages.
Population: 4,101 (2007)
