Jerusalem is at the heart of the Palestinian national struggle for its historical and religious significance in Islam. East Jerusalem is also the only territory occupied in 1967 that was annexed by Israel (except for the Golan Heights). The Palestinians often claim that Israel is attempting to turn the Temple Mount (or Haram al-Sharif) Jewish; it’s a misplaced fear but widely believed. Therefore one can expect that, should an uprising (intifada) break out in the West Bank, it would have Jerusalem as a central theme, especially Al-Aqsa Mosque, which may also become the central battleground.

A group of students from Al-Quds University spoke to Al-Monitor at the house of a popular Fatah member about their attitude toward the current situation, the eventuality of an intifada and the place of Jerusalem in their hearts and minds. Ishan, Aya, Mona, Daud, Ahmed, Thaer, Monir and Mohammed agreed to speak to Al-Monitor on a first-name basis only, afraid of reactions from their entourage in view of their moderate opinions.

There was a fairly wide consensus among the group, which is relatively pragmatic and Fatah-oriented, on those issues.

These three young women and five young men — all from Palestinian Jerusalem suburbs — emphasized their psychological suffering over the Israeli occupation. They seemed more tired of it than angry, but refused to acquiesce. The daily humiliation by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on roads and at checkpoints was described over and over again. For these young people, the humiliation governs their thoughts and shapes their view of all political issues.