Gaza: The Israeli Supreme Court on Monday ordered the occupation authorities to hold a hearing before extending the closure of the Burj Al-Laqlaq Community Society in the Old City of Jerusalem. The court's decision comes as a response to a petition filed by the Society against Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir's order dated February 12, 2026, which demanded the cessation of the Society's sports, educational, and social activities, while allowing its kindergarten to continue operating.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Society's legal team argued that the closure order lacked legal foundation and was an arbitrary measure infringing upon the rights of an institution that has long served the Jerusalem community. They urged the court to revoke the decision, allowing the Society to resume its role in serving children, youth, and families in the city.
The defense team firmly denied any allegations by the Israeli police that the Society was associated with or received funding from the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing that such claims were not supported by evidence. After reviewing a confidential file from Israeli security actors, the court recommended dismissing the petition, as the current closure order is set to expire in less than two weeks. However, the court emphasized that authorities must hold a formal hearing with the Society's representatives before any order extension and affirmed the Society's legal right to challenge any new decisions.
The Society declared the court's stance an important legal milestone in opposing the closure order and reaffirmed its commitment to defending its mission after more than five months of halted operations affecting hundreds of children and adolescents in Jerusalem. The Society vowed to use all legal channels to prevent further extension of the closure order to reopen its facilities and continue serving the Jerusalem community.
In February, the occupation authorities closed the Burj al-Laqlaq Community Association in East Jerusalem for six months, alleging it operated with Palestinian Authority funding. The order, signed by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and reviewed by Anadolu, cited unauthorized Palestinian Authority activities at Burj al-Laqlaq.
Burj al-Laqlaq, a historic site in East Jerusalem from the Ayyubid and Ottoman periods, functions as a key community center. It operates on 9.5 dunams of land near the Old City's wall and hosts sports, intellectual, and social activities. The association has a main soccer field, a basketball court, and facilities for judo and taekwondo, serving the Old City's children and youth.
Source: Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA