Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates // The Increasing Repressive Israeli Measures Will Not Weaken the Determination of Jerusalemites

Since the Jerusalemites demonstrated persistence and steadfastness in their defense of Al Aqsa Mosque, in the face of the occupation’s plans of changing the historical and legal status of the mosque, there is a flagrant escalation by the occupation authorities attempting to break the will of the Palestinians and intense Judiazation and repressive measures against Jerusalem and its holy sites, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Also, an increase in the oppressive measures against Jerusalemites who are determined in their right to a free and sovereign existence in the holy land. In this context, the Israeli authorities are escalating the demolition of houses and facilities of Jerusalemites under false justifications. The latest was the response of the Israeli court to a request by Jewish settlement organizations to implement a decision to demolish the third floor of “Castero Ayoubi’s” family home, under the pretext that it (obscures air, sun and the view of Dome of the Rock from the settlers). In addition, the Jerusalem International Foundation revealed a plan to take over the Islamic tombs to turn them into so-called biblical gardens. The Israeli bulldozers tried to demolish the walls of the Yusufiya cemetery. Simultaneously, Jewish extremists and settler’s invasions continue in Al-Aqsa Mosque under the Israeli police’s protection. Furthermore, there are intense restrictions on the entry of students and worshippers to their schools in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque, As well as the restrictions on the entry of worshipers and students to their schools in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as building dozens of synagogues in the area; which means the reinforcement of settlements and the displacement of dozens of Palestinian families from their homes, in addition to the incursions, daily raids and mass arrests by Israeli occupation forces in the towns and neighborhoods of Jerusalem.

It is evident that the Israeli government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, is trying to regain dominance in Jerusalem by terrorizing the citizens, re-occupy the holy city, and expand its Judaization of the city and doing everything they can to frustrate citizens and break their will.

The Ministry affirms that despite the Israeli aggression and suppression, Jerusalem will remain undefeated and it will remain an integral part of the Palestinian land occupied in 1967 and the capital of the State of Palestine.

The Ministry strongly condemns the colonial, expansionist measures against Jerusalem and its citizens. It calls again on the Arab and Islamic worlds to implement their decisions on Jerusalem by adopting a genuine mechanism capable of providing the support for the Jerusalemites in the face of occupation. The Ministry also calls upon the international community to protect and defend the UN resolutions on Jerusalem and to force the occupation authorities to withdraw from its continuous aggression against the occupied Holy City and to force Israel to comply with international legitimacy and signed agreements.