Coinciding with settlers’ celebrations – the occupation continues to siege and close Sheikh Jarrah

Jerusalem - Ma'an - The occupation authorities continue to impose their siege and close down a number of streets in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem, coinciding with the settlers' celebrations of "Eid Al-Shuala / Lij Ba'omer" in the middle of the neighborhood. For hours yesterday evening, the forces closed streets in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, erected barriers and iron barricades, and prevented the movement of vehicles and pedestrians in some areas. In the middle of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, the occupation authorities allocated places for settlers' celebrations, in a plot of land owned by two Palestinian families, where during the past few days the land was completely prepared, 'levelling and erecting platforms, terraces, lighting towers, speakers, and placing tents,' in addition to an adjacent plot of land that 'was confiscated over the years.' The past from 4 Palestinian families under the pretext of 'public benefit'. Tens of thousands of settlers arrived and stormed the neighborhoo d, and held special rituals for the 'Feast of the Torch,' by lighting fires, dancing, and singing until the dawn hours of today, and the celebration continues until the midnight hours of tonight. The settlers also performed prayers in the neighborhood's cave, which is called 'the grave of the friend Shimon.' The residents of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, Wadi Joz, and the surrounding areas complained about the loud noises that continued until the dawn hours, in addition to the complete closure of a number of intersections and streets in the neighborhood, which is considered one of the main streets in Jerusalem. It is noteworthy that the official celebration of this holiday takes place in the 'Meron' area in the Upper Galilee, and because of the war it was declared a closed military zone and the celebration was moved to the center of the city of Jerusalem. Source: Maan News Agency