Israeli authorities have intensified
security measures around the Damascus Gate, one of the main entrances to
the Old City of Jerusalem, building a watchtower and checkpoint there
ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Jerusalemite engineer, Bassam Al-Hallaq, said Israel’s targeting of the Damascus Gate has serious implications:
“They want to change the Arab and Islamic
features of the Damascus Gate through security procedures like building
watchtowers, installing security cameras, changing traffic routes and
preventing Jerusalemites from sitting in the gate’s squares or using it
as venue to celebrate national or religious events under the pretext of
protecting Israeli soldiers.”
Tourist guide Khadr Najib explained that
the Damascus Gate has one of the oldest markets in the city of Jerusalem
and Israel has been trying since 1967 to impose control over it:
“It dates back to the Roman era. It is
also the main entrance for Muslims and Christians to [access] their Holy
places. Muslims pass through the gate to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and
Christians use it to reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,” he said.
