القدس: بين مخططات الاحتلال الاستيطانية والسلم الأهلي

Summary

In this emotional and insightful interview, the speaker sheds light on the intense struggles and daily hardships faced by Palestinians in Jerusalem after the events of October 7. He highlights the ongoing military occupation, mass arrests, land confiscations, and destruction of homes, alongside the increasing social challenges within the community. Despite these overwhelming difficulties, Jerusalem's residents demonstrate remarkable resilience and steadfastness. The speaker also discusses a local initiative focused on promoting peace, unity, and social reform, encouraging family and community leaders to take action against violence and ensure a brighter future for the city's inhabitants.

Takeaways

• 😀 The situation in Jerusalem is dire, with the city experiencing parallel conflicts to Gaza, including violent raids and violations of rights since October 7th.
• 😀 Over 80 martyrs have been reported in Jerusalem, with half of them being children under 17 years old, along with 2,000 detainees and significant human rights abuses.
• 😀 Thousands of incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque have occurred, led by Israeli government officials, who have openly declared intentions to build the alleged Temple in place of Al-Qubbat al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock).
• 😀 Over 400 demolitions have taken place in Jerusalem, displacing 40,000 people, and more than 30,000 demolition orders have been issued since October 7th, further escalating the crisis.
• 😀 The Israeli authorities are pursuing extensive settlement expansion projects, including a major road project connecting settlements in East and West Jerusalem, impacting Palestinian communities.
• 😀 Israel has initiated the 'Greater Jerusalem' plan, which includes annexing large parts of the West Bank and building thousands of settlement units, including a major airport in the Nabi Musa area.
• 😀 Land confiscation is a major issue, with the Israeli authorities attempting to seize Palestinian lands under various pretexts, including the creation of national parks or tourist projects.
• 😀 Palestinian communities in Jerusalem face increasing pressure to leave the city due to rising housing costs and limited services, leading to a gradual exodus to areas outside the separation wall.
• 😀 Social issues, such as family disputes, have been exacerbated by the lack of law enforcement and the spread of weapons, contributing to a rise in violence, including 59 killings since 2019.
• 😀 The 'Rahama' campaign launched in Jerusalem seeks to promote community reconciliation, address family disputes peacefully, and prevent further violence through local mediation and public engagement.

Q & A

What has been the situation in Jerusalem after the 7th of October?

After the 7th of October, Jerusalem has faced parallel struggles to Gaza, with ongoing violations. Over 80 martyrs, half of them children, have been reported in the city. Additionally, there have been over 2,000 arrests, and 550 people are still in Israeli prisons. The violence continues with frequent incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, led by Israeli ministers, alongside numerous settlement projects around the mosque.

How has the Israeli government been involved in actions around Al-Aqsa Mosque since October 7th?

Since October 7th, Israeli ministers have openly declared their intent to build the alleged 'Third Temple' in place of Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing Jewish sovereignty over the site. This is part of a broader plan to assert control over the holy site, accompanied by thousands of incursions by Israeli settlers.

What are some of the key settlement and land expropriation activities in Jerusalem?

In addition to the violence and arrests, Israel has been pushing aggressive settlement plans. There have been over 400 demolition operations affecting around 40,000 Palestinians in Jerusalem. Thousands of land expropriation orders have been issued, and large-scale projects like a huge industrial zone in the Nabi Musa area and new roads are being developed to connect settlements.

What is the significance of the planned Jerusalem 'Greater Jerusalem' plan?

The 'Greater Jerusalem' plan aims to expand the city's boundaries significantly, with settlements stretching to the east of Jerusalem and south to Bethlehem. This includes constructing a major airport in the Nabi Musa area and increasing the Jewish population in the city to five million, with the aim of reducing the Arab population to less than 10%.

What challenges do Palestinians face in proving land ownership in Jerusalem?

Palestinians face increasing challenges in proving land ownership due to a process that forces them to provide documentation of land ownership. Many Palestinians are unable to present such proof due to being displaced, leading to their land being seized under the pretext of 'development projects' or 'public utility.' This expropriation affects thousands of dunams of Palestinian land.

How has the economic situation affected Palestinians living in Jerusalem?

The economic situation is dire, with many young Palestinians being pushed out of Jerusalem due to the high cost of living. While properties outside the city are cheaper, they come without the basic services and support that are available within Jerusalem, creating significant social challenges for these communities.

How has the Palestinian community in Jerusalem responded to the pressures and ongoing challenges?

Despite all the challenges, Palestinians in Jerusalem have shown remarkable resilience. Many have refused offers of financial support to leave, choosing instead to remain in their homes, even when living conditions are harsh. They continue to resist the Israeli occupation by holding on to their land and identities.

What role has community solidarity played in resisting Israeli policies in Jerusalem?

Community solidarity has been crucial in resisting Israeli policies. Despite facing violence and displacement, many Palestinians in Jerusalem have shown unity, particularly in protecting their neighborhoods and resisting the Israeli occupation. A key example is the collective effort to resist settlement expansion and land seizures.

What efforts are being made to address social problems, including violence and family disputes, in Jerusalem?

To address growing violence and family disputes in Jerusalem, a campaign titled 'Rahma' (Mercy) has been launched. This campaign focuses on promoting social peace and unity, with initiatives to prevent violence, such as forming community councils and promoting dialogue between families. It's aimed at reducing criminal activity and ensuring peace within communities.

What is the Palestinian Authority's role in managing the situation in Jerusalem?

The Palestinian Authority faces significant challenges in Jerusalem due to Israeli control over many aspects of the city's governance. The Palestinian police need coordination with Israeli authorities to operate in certain areas. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to improve security and provide support to residents, though these efforts are often undermined by Israeli policies.