The Civic Coalition to Defend Palestinian Rights in Jerusalem has reported that Occupation authorities aim to construct a new settlement in occupied East Jerusalem.
From information obtained by the Mapping and GIS Department of the Arab Studies Society, it has been revealed that the new Maâale David settlement will be built on approximately 10 dunums of land and include 110 housing units for Jewish settlers. Occupation officials have used the Israeli legal code as justification for the project, despite the fact that Jerusalem is considered occupied territory, making construction of settlements in the city illegal under international law.
According to the plans, approved buildings will be located in the centre of the Palestinian community and be as high as ten stories. The location is not accidental, according to Khalil Tukfaji of the Mapping and GIS Department of the Arab Studies Society, who recalled Sharonâs 1990 plans as Minister of Housing to build 26 so-called âgateâ settlements inside Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem.
This comes as another piece in the accelerating campaign to solidify Occupation control over the whole of Jerusalem. The ring of settlements around the city is set to expand while construction on the tramline moves forward, despite legal challenges in Europe. House demolitions also continue to be carried out against Palestinian residents of the city.
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