Jerusalem: The Jerusalem Governorate has declared that the ongoing assaults in occupied Jerusalem, which include killings, forced evictions, demolitions, and property seizures, represent a comprehensive and systematic campaign targeting the Palestinian community. These actions are part of an accelerated Israeli strategy designed to alter the demographic and geographical landscape of the city, exploiting regional and international distractions such as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Jerusalem Governorate confirmed in a statement issued today, Wednesday, the death of young Jerusalemite Qasem Amjad Shqeirat, aged 21, who was shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces during a raid in the town of Jabal Al-Mukabber, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. This incident adds to the ongoing violations against Palestinians, with the death toll this year reaching three: Qasem Amjad Shqeirat, Murad Shweiki, and Nasrallah Mohammad Jamal Siyam.
Moreover, Israeli authorities persist in enforcing their policy of forced displacement in the Batn Al-Hawa neighborhood in Silwan. Occupation forces have stormed the area, forcibly evacuating 11 homes belonging to the Rajabi family, displacing approximately 65 Jerusalemites in favor of settler organizations. Additionally, two homes belonging to the Basbous family were forcibly evicted, and Anas Raafat Basbous was arrested following the eviction, after two other homes were seized by breaking in and changing their locks.
These actions have also reached the village of Qalandiya, north of occupied Jerusalem, where Israeli municipal crews issued demolition notices to seven residential buildings in the eastern neighborhood, demanding evacuation within 21 days due to alleged unlicensed construction, thereby endangering dozens of families with forced displacement.
In a related development, the occupation continues to enforce a closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for the 26th consecutive day, barring worshippers' access and imposing a strict military cordon around the Old City, effectively isolating it with military checkpoints. This has led to significant violations of religious freedom, forcing residents to pray in the streets amidst economic stagnation and daily life disruptions.
The Jerusalem Governorate emphasized that these Israeli actions are illegal and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and resolutions, amounting to war crimes that demand accountability. The Governorate has called upon Arab and international media, as well as human rights and humanitarian organizations, to highlight the situation in Jerusalem, dedicate coverage to Jerusalem-related issues, and prevent the occupation from exploiting global distractions to advance its plans. It also urged the documentation and exposure of these violations and demanded that the international community fulfill its responsibilities towards Jerusalem.
