JERUSALEM-BASED BODIES: JERUSALEMITES ARE CITIZENS, NOT RESIDENTS

Al-Quds (Jerussalem), 22 Ramadhan 1434/30 July 2013 (MINA) – – Two Jerusalem-based bodies refused new Israeli government measures against Palestinians in Jerusalem, where its ministry of interior began to issue new identity cards to them.

“Supreme Islamic Association” and “Council of Endowments and Islamic Affairs” in occupied Jerusalem said in a statement that “The people of Jerusalem are citizens, not residents.”

The Israeli ministry had issued new identity cards for Palestinians and Arabs in Jerusalem with the status of “resident” and with an expiry date, according to Alray Media Agency report monitored by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).

“Having this measure in force, the Arab citizens in Jerusalem have just become visitors to the city to for a specific time and their property, homes and lands are pending being declared absentee property,” the statement said.

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“This means that the mosques and holy places will be in the wind, while identity cards of thousands of Jerusalemites living behind the separation wall shall be revoked.” it clarified.

The bodies stressed that “Jerusalemites are rooted citizens, not by virtue of a decision made by Israeli authorities.”

The statement renewed total rejection of the arbitrary, racist measures of the Israeli, urging Palestinians in Jerusalem to hold on their legitimate rights.

Occupation aims to displace Jerusalemites

Israeli military forces started to change the identity cards of Jerusalemites to be temporary identities, a move aimed at ending their presence in the holy city.

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Israeli ministry of interior affairs began to take measures to decide the time frame that allows Jerusalemites to stay in Jerusalem , considering them temporary residents .

This measure is an introduction to a new policy to displace Jerusalemites.

Heading to renew their ID cards, Jerusalemites said they were shocked when they realized there was an expiry date printed on their cards.

This move reflects the harsh Israeli policy pursued against Palestinians which imposed several restrictions on Jerusalemites. It obliges them to go to the interior ministry in Jerusalem to prove their residence place by bringing several documents.

This policy was put into practices since the beginning of 1994. Human rights organizations reports indicated that approximately 14,000 identity card have been canceled claiming that they are expired.

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Jerusalemites called on international human rights organizations in Jerusalem to follow up this matter in order to take the legal procedures to provide protection for the citizens of Jerusalem who are ignorant of the Israeli laws and regulations. (T/P02/E1)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)