Israeli Settlers Put Iron Doors in Jerusalem, Restrict Palestinians

Israeli settlers put up a steel door between the Cotton Merchants' Market (Suq al-Qattanin) and the Iron Gate (Bab al-Hadid) in the occupied Old City of Jerusalem.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Wednesday, April 15, that the Jerusalem Authority stated that the gate was erected near the Old City Youth Association, which is adjacent to Zorba Square, which had previously been occupied by Israeli settlers.

Israel's move was considered an attack on a historic site as well as an attempt to change the character of the area.

Local authorities say the gate restricts the mobility of Palestinians, while Israeli settlers carry out Jewish rituals around it as part of efforts to create a new reality in the Old City.

Local sources reported that residents approached the Israeli police to ask that the door be removed. However, the police denied installing it and did nothing to remove it.

Palestinians warn the move is part of Israel's systematic policy to control public space in the Old City and undermine the area's historic character.