The Mission of the State of Palestine would like to share this report with you on the continuing oppression of Palestinians in East Jerusalem.

Jerusalem has always been the political, administrative and spiritual heart of Palestine.

After Israel’s occupation of Jerusalem in 1967, several institutions were forced to immediately close. Only weeks later after the occupation, Israel expanded the municipal borders of Jerusalem from 6.5km2 to 72km2, enlarging East Jerusalem by more than ten times. Israel then applied its own laws, administration and jurisdiction over the newly expanded area of municipal Jerusalem.

Since then, Israel continues to:

•    Shut down Palestinian institutions;
•    Harass and arrest Palestinian officials;
•    Renege on commitments made during negotiations and agreements time and time again;
•    Demolish Palestinian homes and buildings, shut down cultural events, arrest media production crews and demolished an UNRWA- led coronavirus testing station, arresting the volunteers present.

Violations of international humanitarian law are part of Israel’s unilateral policy to consolidate its control over East Jerusalem and irrevocably ensure its exclusive control over the Holy city.

The international community has major responsibilities to provide protection to the Palestinian population under the 4th Geneva convention, demanding that Israel refrain from further unilateral actions aimed at changing the character of East Jerusalem and stopping the culture of impunity granted to Israel.