Israeli Authorities Mark Palestinian Children's Cemetery in Silwan as Public Land
Signs indicating the conversion of a children's cemetery into a public area have raised concerns among local residents in Silwan, Jerusalem.
This week, residents of the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem were surprised to find signs posted by the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority at the site of a children's cemetery.
The signs indicated that the area would be designated as public land.
According to the Wadi Hilweh Information Center, which focuses on human rights issues in the area, the Nature Authority's crews, accompanied by settlers and police officers, entered the cemetery.
They reportedly dismantled and confiscated the metal fence surrounding the site and erected signs stating that the area is 'open public space' and prohibiting dumping waste, with additional messaging indicating that burial is not permitted.
Fakhri Abu Diab, a researcher specializing in Jerusalem affairs, noted that the cemetery, located in the heart of Silwan, spans approximately 5 dunams (a dunam is equivalent to 1,000 square meters).
He further elaborated that burials in this cemetery began in the 16th century.
Since the year 2000, various settlement organizations and the Nature Authority have gradually encroached upon the cemetery, seeking to exert control over the site and incorporate it into what is referred to as the 'City of David' settlement area.
The signs indicated that the area would be designated as public land.
According to the Wadi Hilweh Information Center, which focuses on human rights issues in the area, the Nature Authority's crews, accompanied by settlers and police officers, entered the cemetery.
They reportedly dismantled and confiscated the metal fence surrounding the site and erected signs stating that the area is 'open public space' and prohibiting dumping waste, with additional messaging indicating that burial is not permitted.
Fakhri Abu Diab, a researcher specializing in Jerusalem affairs, noted that the cemetery, located in the heart of Silwan, spans approximately 5 dunams (a dunam is equivalent to 1,000 square meters).
He further elaborated that burials in this cemetery began in the 16th century.
Since the year 2000, various settlement organizations and the Nature Authority have gradually encroached upon the cemetery, seeking to exert control over the site and incorporate it into what is referred to as the 'City of David' settlement area.
