The municipality of al-Khalil city has warned against an Israeli intent to build a new Jewish settler neighborhood in the Old City affirming that such step will inflame the situation in the area.
Al-Khalil mayor Tayseer Abu Snaineh stated on Monday that the city municipality would employ all its means to thwart such intent and protect Palestinian real estate and lands.
Abu Snaineh warned that such Israeli decision if implemented would affect the Old City of al-Khalil its buildings and neighborhoods and change their features through building Jewish settler neighborhood in their place.
Al-Khalil municipality affirmed it started taking practical steps to confront the decision and mobilize all human rights and UN organizations to move to protect the human heritage in the Old City.
Israeli war minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday announced his intent to build a new Jewish-only settlement in the vicinity of the Ibrahimi Mosque and in the wholesale market street.
The market area is on al-Khalil’s once-bustling Shuhada Street which leads to the Islamic holy site the Ibrahimi Mosque.
The street is now largely closed off to Palestinians who have long demanded that it be reopened.
