Embassy of the State of Palestine

Introduction

Jerusalem is the center of Palestinian identity and the source of its cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage. It is also the natural socio-economic and political center of Palestine due to its commercial vitality, historical significance, and geographic centrality in connecting the northern and southern parts of Palestine.

From the beginning of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967, a policy of separation and fragmentation has been carried out, in order to “encourage” Palestinians to leave their land and to prevent the realization of the State of Palestine on the ground. In addition to colonizing the land, Israel, the occupying Power, has also implemented a series of changes undermining the social fabric and physical reality of occupied East Jerusalem, in an attempt to turn the city into an exclusively Jewish city. This includes systematic policies of forced displacement, including residency revocation, home demolition and eviction, as well as so-called “excavation works” which damage the rich cultural and religious heritage of Jerusalem, particularly the Old City. At the same time, it includes severe restrictions on freedom of worship for Palestinian Christians and Muslims.

This fact sheet will provide information about the effects of Israeli colonial plans in Occupied East Jerusalem, focusing particularly on its effects on Palestinian Christians.

To continue reading, please go to the attached document.