East Jerusalem

East Jerusalem is a contested area, claimed by Palestinians as their future capital and considered by Israel as part of its unified capital. Recent news highlights escalating tensions and restrictions. Palestinians face difficulties obtaining building permits from Israel, leading to forced demolitions of their own homes to avoid higher Israeli fees. Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has surged since the start of the Iran war, drawing condemnation from the EU and UK. Access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a holy site for Muslims, has been heavily restricted by Israeli authorities, particularly during Ramadan, sometimes leading to the complete cancellation of Friday prayers. Furthermore, Israel has banned several Palestinian media organizations operating in East Jerusalem, citing alleged links to Hamas. These events underscore the ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns in the region, making East Jerusalem a focal point of international attention.