Jerusalem:Israeli occupation authorities and colonial organizations are carrying out excavations and constructing tunnels beneath Silwan in occupied Jerusalem, with projects aimed at altering the historic landscape and erasing Palestinian identity, particularly around the Wadi Hilweh neighborhood, According to Jerusalem Governorate.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the governorate has expressed concerns that these activities threaten not only the historical identity of the city but also the safety of Palestinian citizens. Reports have highlighted issues such as cracks, collapses, and structural damage to homes above the excavation sites, endangering residents' safety and their right to remain in their homes.
The governorate further stated that colonial organizations are strategically selecting excavation sites to support a specific historical narrative, focusing on archaeological layers from the 10th century BCE while neglecting other periods that represent Jerusalem's diverse civilizations.
These excavations span the 'Holy Basin,' an area between the Old City and the Mount of Olives, covering neighborhoods such as Silwan, Wadi Hilweh, al-Bustan, and Wadi al-Rababa, extending north to Sheikh Jarrah. The governorate also noted that archaeological findings are being tied to biblical narratives, with sites being given biblical names, thus transforming archaeology from a scientific study of history into a tool for advancing political narratives and justifying land takeovers.