Abdu 2021 Israeli Persecution in Occupied Jerusalem_ Physical and Structural Violence Employed to Change Jerusalemites’ Identity

Israeli Persecution in Occupied Jerusalem

Overview

Israeli authorities have engaged in numerous human rights violations in East Jerusalem, including direct violence (e.g., murder, home demolitions) and structural violence (e.g., laws and policies that discriminate against Palestinians). This commentary highlights the systematic practices aimed at undermining the Palestinian identity and presence in the city.

Background

  • In 1967, following the Six-Day war, Israel annexed East Jerusalem, designating Palestinians as 'permanent residents' with fewer rights than citizens.

  • The Israeli government has employed various measures to alter the demographic composition of the city, aiming to cement a Jewish majority through forced displacement and induction of settlers.

Direct Violence

Types of Violence

  • Murder and Arbitrary Detention: Systematic killings and arrests targeting Palestinian residents.

  • Home Demolitions: In 2020, 148 homes were demolished, displacing many Palestinians.

  • Military Occupation: The occupation involves daily violence and intimidation supported by international powers, causing significant dislocation of Palestinian families.

Settlement Building

  • Expansion of illegal settlements encircles East Jerusalem, increasing tension and displacing original Palestinian residents.

  • Nearly 41 settlements affect the demographic balance, with 210,000 settlers in East Jerusalem compared to 350,000 Palestinians.

Structural Violence

Discrimination in Policies

  • Residency and Housing Rights: Palestinians face strict regulations that hinder their right to build and maintain homes. Most land in East Jerusalem is designated for Jewish residents, limiting access for Palestinians.

  • Economic Disparities: Israeli laws disproportionately penalize Palestinians, leading to economic deprivation and societal fragmentation.

Intimidation and Cultural Obliteration

  • Continuous intimidation tactics contribute to fear, pressuring Palestinians to leave.

  • Cultural changes, including name alterations of streets and alteration of school curricula, seek to erase Palestinian heritage.

Conclusion

The systematic physical and structural violence perpetrated against Palestinians in East Jerusalem is designed to erase their presence and identity. This aims not only at demographic replacement but also at cultural and geographical alteration, promoting a narrative that favors Israeli claims to the city. Such actions constitute serious violations of human rights and may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.