AhlulBayt News Agency: Israeli authorities have announced plans to seize 1,100 square meters of land on the southeastern edge of the occupied Old City of al-Quds, marking another instance of land confiscation by the Tel Aviv regime.
The al-Quds Governorate stated on Sunday evening that the Israeli municipality in Occupied al-Quds had informed residents of the al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan district about its decision.
Local media reported that the confiscated Palestinian-owned land is intended to be used for the construction of a garden and a parking lot.
The Governorate warned that this move represents a form of legal manipulation designed to prevent citizens from using their lands or applying for building permits, especially following a wave of systematic demolitions in the area.
It further criticized Israeli officials for attempting to create a legal cover to justify land grabs and ongoing ethnic cleansing in the holy city.
The Governorate highlighted that this latest step is linked to a decision earlier this month, when residents of al-Quds were notified of plans to confiscate approximately 5.7 dunams (5,700 square meters) of land in al-Bustan under the same pretext.
It pointed out that the land described as “vacant” is actually filled with rubble from Palestinian homes that were forcibly demolished, with owners barred from rebuilding or using the property.
The Governorate stressed that the municipality misrepresented the actual condition of the land in order to justify its appropriation.
It also rejected the municipality’s claim that the land seizure would only be temporary, lasting five years.
The Governorate emphasized that the realities faced by al-Quds residents show Israel’s intent to establish a permanent settlement presence, obstructing Palestinian urban development. This has been worsened by the demolition of 35 homes and structures in the neighborhood since October 7, 2023.
Currently, more than 700,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.
The international community considers these settlements illegal under international law and the Geneva Conventions, as they are constructed on occupied land.
The UN Security Council has condemned Israel’s settlement activities in multiple resolutions.
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