In light of the recent violence, Israel’s Supreme Court postponed ruling on the possible eviction of some Palestinian families in East Jerusalem
LIKE MUCH of the fighting between Israel and the Palestinians, the latest spasm of violence began as a dispute over a small bit of land. In this case it was the sunken plaza and wide steps around Damascus Gate, one of the ancient entrances to the old walled city at the heart of Jerusalem. For the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem the plaza is a gathering spot. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan thousands come for coffee and sweets after breaking the day’s fast.
A case before Israel’s Supreme Court has added to the febrile atmosphere. In light of the violence the court postponed ruling on the possible eviction of some Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. The land on which their homes sit was owned by Jews before Jordan occupied the eastern part of Jerusalem in 1948. Jordan used it to resettle Palestinian refugees from the western part of the city, which had been taken by Israel.
Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem is about to enter its 55th year. It claims to have “reunified” the city. But it remains irrevocably divided. Over a third of its population are Palestinians, most of whom have “residency” rights, which gives them access to Israeli social security and health care, but are not treated as equals to Israelis and face a variety of pressures to move out. Tens of thousands of Palestinians work in the Jewish, western part of the city, speaking Hebrew.
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