القدس: بين مخططات الاحتلال الاستيطانية والسلم الأهلي

Summary

The video script highlights the ongoing challenges and hardships faced by the people of Jerusalem since the escalation of violence following October 7. The discussion covers a range of issues, including increased violations, arrests, and military incursions in the city, as well as the rapid expansion of settlements and the destruction of Palestinian homes. Despite the harsh conditions, the residents of Jerusalem show remarkable resilience, with community efforts aimed at preventing further violence and fostering unity. The script also emphasizes the efforts of local authorities and community leaders to maintain peace and address social issues in the face of mounting pressure from Israeli policies.

Takeaways

• 😀 The situation in Jerusalem is akin to a parallel war to that in Gaza, with regular reports on violations and heavy casualties among Palestinian civilians, including children.
• 😀 Since October 7th, over 80 martyrs have been reported in Jerusalem, with half of them being minors under 17 years old. There are also thousands of arrests and ongoing detentions.
• 😀 Israeli settlers have been regularly storming Al-Aqsa Mosque, with ministers from Netanyahu's government leading the incursions and openly calling for the destruction of the Dome of the Rock to build a 'Third Temple.'
• 😀 The Israeli government is pushing forward large-scale settlement projects around Al-Aqsa Mosque and in surrounding areas like Silwan, with over 120 house demolitions and 32,000 demolition orders in Jerusalem.
• 😀 There are also plans for major infrastructure projects, including new settler roads that will connect East Jerusalem to West Jerusalem and facilitate the expansion of settlements.
• 😀 The Israeli authorities are using legal maneuvers, such as land registration and land grabs, to seize Palestinian lands, displacing thousands of Palestinians from their homes, including in areas like Beit Hanina and Jabal Mukaber.
• 😀 The city of Jerusalem is experiencing a population transfer, with rising real estate costs pushing Palestinian families to migrate out of the city, where they face even more challenging living conditions.
• 😀 The expansion of settlements and the creation of industrial zones like the one at Khan al-Ahmar are central to Israel's long-term strategy to control and Judaize the entire region.
• 😀 The Israeli occupation is also engaging in psychological warfare, attempting to break Palestinian will by increasing pressure on key national and religious figures and targeting their activities and organizations.
• 😀 In response to the dire situation, Palestinian authorities in Jerusalem have launched a campaign called 'Mercy Among Them,' aiming to foster unity, tolerance, and conflict resolution to address the rise in community violence and family feuds.

Q & A

What is the current situation in Jerusalem after October 7th, 2023?

After October 7th, Jerusalem has been experiencing parallel struggles to those in Gaza. This includes increased violations, with reports indicating 80 martyrs, half of whom are children, 2,000 arrests, and severe restrictions on daily life, including daily incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli authorities and settlers.

How has the situation in Jerusalem impacted the local Palestinian population?

The Palestinian population in Jerusalem has faced significant hardship, including the demolition of over 400 homes, increasing land confiscations, and more than 32,000 demolition threats. There has been an intentional effort to pressure Palestinians to leave the city through economic, legal, and physical means, including exorbitant housing prices and infrastructure projects that benefit settlers.

What is the Israeli government's long-term plan for Jerusalem as described in the transcript?

The Israeli government has outlined a project called 'Greater Jerusalem,' which seeks to expand the city's boundaries to include areas like Nabi Musa to the east, Bethlehem to the south, and areas around the airport. This project includes the construction of large settlement blocs and a new airport, which is part of a larger scheme to create a unified Israeli-controlled capital.

What role do Palestinian authorities and institutions play in the current situation?

The Palestinian authorities in Jerusalem are attempting to address the challenges through various initiatives, including legal and social efforts to counter Israeli policies. However, they face limitations due to the lack of control over security and legal issues, often having to coordinate with Israeli authorities to intervene, which complicates their ability to protect Palestinian rights.

How are social and community dynamics in Jerusalem being affected by the ongoing conflict?

The community is facing severe social fragmentation, with a noticeable rise in intra-community violence, including family feuds and disputes over land. The lack of security and the proliferation of weapons has led to 59 fatalities since 2019, highlighting the negative impact of the ongoing political and economic instability.

What initiatives have been launched to address social issues within Palestinian communities in Jerusalem?

A campaign titled 'Rahama Baynahum' (Mercy Between Them) has been initiated to raise awareness about social cohesion, tolerance, and conflict resolution. The campaign aims to reduce the use of weapons in resolving personal disputes, promote reconciliation, and prevent violence, particularly focusing on communities affected by economic and social pressures.

What has been the response to the 'Rahama Baynahum' campaign?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. The campaign has gained support from local councils, civic leaders, and community members, including tribal leaders, religious figures, and educators. Media outlets have also picked up on the campaign, helping to spread its message about peace and tolerance in Jerusalem.

What challenges have emerged in trying to resolve land disputes in Jerusalem?

Land disputes in Jerusalem have been exacerbated by the Israeli government's efforts to confiscate Palestinian land under various pretenses, such as the creation of nature reserves or tourist sites. Palestinian families face significant difficulty proving ownership of their land, particularly as many are living outside of Jerusalem, and Israeli policies make it harder for them to retain their properties.

How does the issue of settlement expansion impact the daily lives of Palestinians in Jerusalem?

Settlement expansion has created physical and social barriers for Palestinians, including the demolition of homes, displacement of families, and restriction of movement. Additionally, infrastructure projects like the construction of new roads and tunnels are designed to further isolate Palestinian communities while facilitating settlement growth.

How does the media and public outreach play a role in addressing Jerusalem's issues?

Media campaigns and public outreach are crucial in raising awareness about the issues Palestinians face in Jerusalem. Local media, including radio stations, television, and social media, have been pivotal in disseminating information about the ongoing violations, while also promoting campaigns like 'Rahama Baynahum,' which aim to unite the community and advocate for peace and stability.