Al-Quds governorate: New Israeli enemy decisions to impose settlement facts, consolidate control over Occupied al-Quds

Al-Quds governorate has condemned the Israeli occupation authorities’ approval of a new package of Judaization decisions and plans during a government meeting held to mark what is called “Jerusalem/al-Quds Unification Day”

The Governorate described this as a dangerous escalation reflecting the accelerated settlement policies aimed at imposing facts on the ground that reshape the geography and demographics of occupied al-Quds. These policies serve the Israeli settlement project and aim to obliterate the city’s Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity by employing “heritage,” “development,” and “security” projects as tools to consolidate annexation and occupation. This is all part of an accelerated process of imposing settlement facts on the ground.

In a statement issued Monday evening and carried by the Palestinian News Agency Wafa, the Governorate affirmed that these decisions are part of a systematic plan to tighten control over Palestinian land, holy sites, and historical landmarks, and to entrench the occupation’s narrative in al-Quds. This constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and UN resolutions that affirm the invalidity of all Israeli measures in occupied al-Quds.

The approved decisions included allocating the former UNRWA compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, covering an area of approximately 36 dunams, for the establishment of a museum for the Israeli army, a recruitment office, and headquarters for the so-called “Israeli Ministry of Defense.” This move constitutes a dangerous escalation aimed at transforming a UN compound, which enjoys international immunities and privileges, into Israeli military and security installations.

The Israeli authorities also approved two new decisions concerning the Western Wall area. One pertains to what they termed “enhancing emergency preparedness” during 2026, while the other includes a five-year plan for the years 2027-2031. This plan aims to expand Judaization and infrastructure projects in the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall. It includes intensifying educational and religious activities directed at Israelis, in addition to continuing excavations, archaeological exploration, and the “development” of facilities and infrastructure.

In a related context, the Israeli authorities approved the continued development of what they call “Mamilla Pool,” referring to the “Ma’man Pool.” The historic Mamilla Cemetery, containing the remains of al-Quds scholars, resistance fighters, and prominent Qudsi, is slated for demolition. The surrounding area will be transformed into what the Israeli authorities call “Independence Park,” as part of a new Judaization project with a budget of 80 million shekels. This project is being implemented on the site of the historic Mamilla Islamic cemetery, which is one of the most prominent Islamic cemeteries in al-Quds, dating back more than nine centuries.

The governorate also warned that the new “development” works will directly damage the remaining historical graves surrounding the Islamic pool, which historically formed part of the Old City’s water supply system.

The decisions also included the establishment of a settlement heritage center at the site of the occupied al-Quds International Airport in Qalandia, north of occupied al-Quds. This is part of a project led by the so-called “Israeli Ministry of Heritage” to transform the site into a tourist and educational center that serves the occupation narrative in the city.

The project includes the rehabilitation of the airport’s historic buildings, most notably the passenger terminal, which was built during the British Mandate and expanded during the Jordanian era. It also includes the creation of exhibitions documenting what the Israeli authorities call “the history of Israeli aviation” and “the history of settlement” in the area. The Israeli enemy has named the settlement “Atarot” after itself, built on Palestinian land north of al-Quds. The project also includes a special wing commemorating Yoni Netanyahu, who was involved in the 1976 Entebbe military operation.

The Israeli enemy government also approved a plan to establish a center for what it calls “special population groups” south of the Old City. This center will include residential and service facilities and will also serve as an “evacuation” center in emergencies.

Furthermore, the Israeli enemy government announced the formation of a special ministerial team to prepare for what it calls the 60th anniversary of the occupation of East al-Quds in 1967. This move reflects the enemy’s insistence on imposing its political and historical narrative regarding the occupied city, while simultaneously accelerating Judaization and settlement projects in its various neighborhoods.

Al-Quds Governorate stressed that all these projects and measures are null and void under international law and relevant UN resolutions. It affirmed that the Israeli enemy has no sovereignty over occupied al-Quds, its holy sites, or its institutions, and that all attempts to erase the Palestinian identity or impose a fait accompli are doomed to failure in the face of the will of the Palestinian people. The deep-rooted resilience of the Palestinian people in al-Quds.

The Governorate called upon the international community, the United Nations, UNESCO, and international human rights organizations to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities regarding the Judaization projects and systematic targeting of al-Quds’ historical landmarks, international institutions, and Islamic and Christian holy sites. It emphasized that international silence emboldens the Israeli occupation authorities to persist in their violations and undermine any opportunity for achieving a just peace based on international law.