Columnist calls for an end to the displacement of Palestinians from East Jerusalem — Jerusalem Post
A columnist in the Jerusalem Post called on the international community to seek compliance with international law and an end to the Israeli occupation in order to preserve the prospects for peace in Jerusalem, Israel. In her view, urban planning policy in East Jerusalem contributes to the displacement of Palestinian residents.
Urban planning and housing
The columnist refers to the book Separate and Unequal, which describes the principle of “maximum land, minimum population” in planning the area designated as East Jerusalem after 1967. According to data cited in the column, 13% of 70 square kilometers was allocated for Palestinian residential construction, with this land being mostly already built up.
The author writes that Palestinians in East Jerusalem face a shortage of affordable housing and difficulties obtaining building permits. She also refers to the Planned Negligence report by the Israeli non-governmental organization Ir Amim, according to which one-third of East Jerusalem residents were forced to move to Kafr Aqab or the Shuafat refugee camp north of the barrier. The column states that about 150,000 people live in these areas.
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Demolitions and the world’s response
The author mentions Aryeh King, who, she says, told Sky TV of his intention to demolish all “illegal” buildings in East Jerusalem; their number was estimated at 20,000. She also writes that during his recent term as deputy mayor, demolitions in the Al-Bustan area of Silwan accelerated. By her description, half of the neighborhood — more than 60 houses — became a “ghostly reminder” of Gaza.
In the columnist’s view, development of the E1 area and the displacement of Palestinians from Jerusalem are interconnected issues for the prospects of a two-state solution. She refers to the position of ten UN special rapporteurs, who called for immediate international action and warned that lost Palestinian communities, heritage and rights in the city may not be restored.
