Palestinian villagers sceptical about bid for UN statehood – in pictures

Mohammed Hassan al-Atrash, 68, has lived in al-Walaja all his life and holds out little hope that the push for statehood will improve anything: "I don't know about politics. But from my life experience, I don't think we will gain anything."
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

When complete, the separation barrier will encircle al-Walaja, leaving a single entry and exit point controlled by the Israeli military
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

Ahmad Barghouth, 64, also known as Abu Nidal, sits by his father's grave, which will be cut off by the wall. Land outside his house is now being flattened to build the barrier
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

Construction of the wall in al-Walaja
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

The Har Gillo settlement, which has grown up at the edge of the Palestinian village of al-Walaja
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

Palestinian workers who have been brought from afar to work on the construction of the Har Gillo settlement near al-Walaja
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

Sheerin al-Araj, 40, was born in al-Walaja and has become an articulate advocate for the rights of residents
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian