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An Israeli border policeman checks the identity card of a Palestinian woman as she makes her way to Al-Aqsa mosque, on a compound known by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem’s Old City October 8, 2015. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun


Warning of Israeli Plan to Displace Jerusalem’s Palestinians

by | Aug 3, 2016 | Middle East |

Warning of Israeli Plan to Displace Jerusalem’s Palestinians

Tel Aviv- Minister for Jerusalem Affairs Adnan Al-Husseini warned of procedures carried out by Israeli occupation authorities in Jerusalem and its suburbs. “These procedures fall within a clear plan to force Palestinians out of their villages, expand the Israeli control over residents’ lives and increase interference in Awqaf Department affairs”, said Husseini.

During a press conference, Husseini pointed out that besides the unprecedented houses’ destruction in Palestinian villages in Jerusalem, the occupation authorities pursue a policy on transforming suburbs into isolated areas, compelling many to leave.

In Kalandia, 11 buildings, each made up of 25 apartments, were destroyed in one month only. For the first time, six Israeli official institutions, among them the Israeli Ministry of Defense, issued warnings to the owners of these houses.

“It is no coincidence; there is an accord among the Israeli institutions to isolate Jerusalem suburbs,” Husseini said.

“Israeli authorities have started a new battle against Al-Aqsa mosque guards and Awqaf Department staff; they are hurdling maintenance and repair works. The occupation is mainly offending Al-Aqsa guards by arresting some and imposing penalties on others because the guards are trying to prevent settlers from performing religious rituals.

These procedures have become more strict lately, especially that settlers are preparing for new assaults with the approach of the so-called “Tisha B’Av”,” added Husseini.

The Palestinian official also warned of the Israeli Ministry of Education’s plan to replace the Palestinian curriculum with an Israeli course of study, describing the move as an attempt to turn the students into Jews.

“They are offering school allowances for waiving the curriculums. It is Israel’s duty to pay these funds in return for the high taxes imposed on the Palestinians; it has no right to exploit this matter for political benefits.

“Residents should show a tough stance so Israel would back off,” he added.

Husseini concluded his statement with hailing Jerusalem residents’ stance. “They bring glory to our nation with their remarkable endurance despite the strict procedures and various types of siege.”

He did not rule out that conditions there could worsen if the Israeli measures continue.