For so long has Israel been working to change the status quo of Al Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings in Jerusalem city; and in view of the current security situation in the occupied West Bank and most specifically in Jerusalem city; Israel is intensifying construction in Israeli settlements in Jerusalem with particular focus on the old city of Jerusalem and its surroundings. The plan of Beit Haliba is yet the latest example of Israel’s plans in occupied Jerusalem city. It is an initiative that was deposited back in 2012 by the so called “Western Wall Heritage Fund, an organization that promotes colonial building in the heart of Jerusalem city and runs under the jurisdiction of the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, Benyamin Netanyahu.
Photo 1: The plan of Beit Haliba near Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem city – Source: Jerusalem Construction News.
During its 48 years of occupation of the Palestinian territory including east Jerusalem, Israel has showed strong quest to strengthen its hold over Jerusalem city and in particular Al Aqsa Mosque and its environs, which severely affected the overall religious and political atmosphere. The continued Israeli colonial activities in the city of Jerusalem and the undermining of its historical, cultural and geographical features are deliberate attempts by Israel to do so.