In recent months, there have been serious and unprecedented escalations in Israel’s violations of Palestinians’ rights in Jerusalem, especially since President Trump's decision to relocate the US Embassy to Jerusalem. This is especially alarming, given the sacred nature of the Holy City for the followers of the world's three monotheistic religions. Of the three dominating religions, Muslims have been the most to suffer and endure harsh and abusive treatment by the Israeli authorities.
As is the case every year, September has witnessed numerous cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions, raids and searches of Palestinian homes, orders of expulsion from Al-Aqsa Mosque, harassment of worshipers, and the storming in large number of Israeli settlers to Al-Aqsa Mosque yards under the protection of the Israeli forces. Violations also extended to indiscriminate beatings and trumped-up charges against Palestinians in the Holy City, with insistent attempts to impose the Israeli curriculum in Palestinian schools located in the city, as well as to create an environment that fits the Nation-State Law as an essential part of the court system.
These violations against Palestinians in Jerusalem demonstrate a consistent policy adopted by the Israeli authorities over the past years. However, these violations persist and increase when Israeli soldiers are deployed around and inside Al-Aqsa Mosque to secure celebrations of Jewish holidays. These holiday celebrations are frequently accompanied by provocations and abuse of Palestinians in areas of worship in Jerusalem, especially in Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City.
Under the pretext of Palestinians’ lack of building permits, home demolitions in Jerusalem continue unabated, with the Municipality of the City arbitrarily and continuously denying Palestinians the necessary permits to build for years. The recent evacuation and bulldozing of Khan al-Ahmar village, a move condemned by the United Nations, is a live example of the extent of Israel’s racism against the City’s Palestinians. They no longer enjoy religious freedom, are subjected to arbitrary detention, degrading treatment and beatings and are not even safe in their own homes. These aspects highlight the lack of any future prospects for enjoying a life of dignity.
This report aims to shed light on the most prominent images of the violations committed by the Israeli authorities against Palestinians in Jerusalem over the past month. In so doing, the report documents Israel’s encroachment on their rights in an extensive manner, with examples of cases objectively brought to light. The report further echoes calls on the international community to act in a manner that will overcome the current state of affairs in the Holy City as well as to protect and secure Palestinian civilians’ religious freedoms.