JERUSALEM, 15 Nov. - (ANA) - Israel has demolished buildings in an area of occupied East Jerusalem near some of the city's most important holy sites, prompting concern from Palestinian residents, activists and foreign governments.

 

"They are trying to break us," said Fakhri Abu Diab, a resident of Silwan neighbourhood where Israeli police on Wednesday demolished a cultural centre and a protest camp, which it called unauthorised construction.

 

They were in Silwan's Al Bustan area, near Jerusalem's Old City that is home to religious sites, and where Israeli settler activity has intensified in recent years.

 

"It is from here that messages to our community and to the world emanated," said Mr Abu Diab, whose home, along with those of others, was destroyed in another demolition last week.

 

He said the Israelis "wanted to cut off the head" of the anti-settlement movement in East Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 and later annexed in a move that was not recognised by the UN.

 

Israeli authorities have declared part of Silwan a "protected" zone where they plan to create a tourist park in the area of Jewish religious sites.

 

The Jerusalem municipality has quoted court decisions ordering the demolition of Al Bustan structures considered to be in breach of zoning regulations.

 

Anti-settlement group Ir Amim said the demolitions aim to connect Israeli settlers in Palestinian neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem to the city's Jewish-majority west.

 

And since the Israel-Gaza war broke out more than a year ago, sending tensions soaring far beyond Gaza, "home demolitions across East Jerusalem have reached unparalleled levels", said the NGO.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/15 November 2024 - - -