GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities decried Feb. 8 the Israeli government's approval to establish a cable car in the Old City of Jerusalem. The ministry considers this plan to be a settlement and Judaization project that seeks to establish Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem entirely, and alter the city’s scenery and Arab landscape. It noted that “the creation of a modernist element in the sky over Jerusalem will greatly damage the city’s international value and authenticity, as it does not go in line with its cultural nature and ancient religious and cultural aspect.”
In addition, it indicated that the project “passes near the walls of Jerusalem in Silwan, al-Tur and the Lions' Gate neighborhoods,” involves building stations in the Old City and “connects the various settlement and Judaization projects in East Jerusalem.”
On Jan. 30, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates denounced the project, saying that Israel is doing whatever it takes to Judaize East Jerusalem and alter its legal and historical status quo. The cable car would run through more than 80% of East Jerusalem.
It underlined that the project is a violation of international law and challenges UNESCO cultural heritage resolutions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demands that UNESCO gets involved to halt the execution of this settlement project.
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