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Israeli preventing renovation works in Hebron

HRC: "these homes have a rich history of hundreds of years and the occupation and its settlers want to control and take it over."

Jerusalem24 – Today, Wednesday, the Israeli occupation forces prevented the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC) from completing the renovation work to restore 12 houses in the old city of Hebron, near the Ein Al-Hambra; northeast of the Ibrahimi mosque.

The work was stopped under the claim that the work did not have a permit from the Israeli Civil Administration, as such the Israeli soldiers told the employees of the HRC to leave the area at once.

The director general of the committee, Imad Hamdan, said that the Israeli occupation is conducting a campaign against all renovation work done by the HRC on historical buildings and homes. Including the Ibrahimi mosque in the old city of Hebron, as well as homes around the mosque or near Israeli settlement outposts.

Hamadan added that, “these homes have a rich history of hundreds of years and the occupation and its settlers want to control and take it over.” He continued saying that the occupation prevents and impedes the restoration and maintenance operations in the Old City, in order to keep the homes and shops in that area empty of citizens, and not prepared for use or housing, to leave room for settlers, to seize them.

Hamdan considered that this measure comes within an Israeli policy aimed at harming the historical heritage of the city, and changing its cultural and civilizational features. This despite the area, which is protected heritage on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2017.

The HRC has been working for around 25 years on preserving the buildings and architectural landmarks by renovation and maintenance, allowing Palestinians to maintain their homes there. Despite that, the technical crews face a lot of risks in their line of work.

Some workers have been arrested, other had their work stopped and their equipment confiscated. Sometimes materials needed for the work is not even allowed in.

 

 

Mohammad Hamayel

Ramallah based journalist, Mohammad graduated from Al-Quds University with a B.A. in Media and Television. He has covered the 2015 Jerusalem Intifada as well as the Great March of Return for international media outlets. currently an editor/presenter at Jerusalem24. A UN alumni and a follower of global events and politics, especially American affairs.

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