Shuafat, one of the 59 Palestinian refugee camps ran by UNRWA, is the only refugee camp in Jerusalem and the only one under Israeli control. More than 30,000 Palestinians live in the camp.

UNRWA, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas and Israel compete for ruling the refugee camp. However, groups such as Hamas, Fatah, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front enjoy public support in Shuafat, inciting violence against Israel and creating political and social instability.“Our message is clear,” said Jihad Abu Zneid, a Shuafat resident and member of the Palestinian government. “We will remain in Shuafat and will not relinquish the right of return.”