JERUSALEM, February 10, 2016 (WAFA) – Israel Nature and Parks Authority (IPNA) staff Wednesday carried out an inspection on a land belonging to a Palestinian in al-Abbasiya neighborhood, in the East Jerusalem Town of Silwan, in an apparent attempt to take over the land.
The land belongs to Palestinian Khaled al-Zeer, whose home was previously demolished by Israeli authorities, citing unpermitted construction as a pretext.
Al-Zeer said he currently lives in a cave inside of the above-mentioned land, however, the IPNA demolished part of the cave, in what he described, as an attempt to kick him out of his land, under the pretext the land is an ‘archaeological site’.
The Independent reported on a Conservative Foreign Office minister, Joyce Anelay, as saying the British Foreign Office is concerned that the Israel Antiquities Authority is supporting "radical settler activities" in and around the Old City of Jerusalem while purporting to promote tourism or protect Jewish historical artifacts,” as published on the Israeli daily, Haartez.
“We are aware of the link between the Elad [settler] group and the Israel Antiquities Authority. We are concerned that this link has led to Israel Antiquities Authority’s support of radical settler activities in and around the Old City under the guise of tourism and protection of Jewish history,” Anelay said.
“Such actions not only aggravate mounting pressures in East Jerusalem but serve to increase tension around the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif and further complicate future attempts to negotiate a political resolution on the city.”
According to the Israeli human rights group, B’Tselem, Israeli authorities prohibit Palestinian construction in vast areas of Area C citing various rationales, such as “defining these areas as state land, survey land, firing zones, nature reserves and natural parks, or by incorporating lands into the jurisdiction of settlements and regional councils.”
Israel rarely issues construction permits for Palestinians living in East Jerusalem as well in Area C of the West Bank, both under complete Israeli control, forcing may Palestinians to embark on construction without obtaining a permit.
“Given the Civil Administration‘s policy, the prospects for receiving a building permit outside the scope of the master plans are very slim. Therefore, most Palestinians feel it is futile to apply and do not even submit an application,” said the center.
“With its policy in Area C, Israel abuses its basic obligations under international humanitarian law. Israel must allocate lands to Palestinians for housing, infrastructure and industrial zones. It must also pursue an expert planning process, with participation by the local Palestinian population, whose top priority will be the needs of this population.”
“Until such a process is implemented, and so long as Israel retains planning authority in Area C and does not allow Palestinians to build legally, it must desist from demolition – including demolition of homes, business-related structures (e.g., buildings used for agriculture or trade) and rainwater-collection cisterns – and it must revoke all pending demolition orders against existing structures.”
T.R.
