This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
Annually, the Israeli National Insurance Institute publishes statistical data on the city. Its latest report reflects conditions explained above.
For Palestinians, they're dire. Annually they deteriorate. Israel systematically denies them fundamental essentials required under international law.
Deplorable conditions exist. Palestinians endure intolerable levels of poverty, unemployment, underemployment, and ability to access essential services. Those with jobs are cheated. Many get minimum or sub-minimum wages with no benefits.
"The gravity of the situation....is the product, first and foremost, of Israeli policy making."
Official policy debilitated Arab conditions. Before occupation, East Jerusalem thrived as the center of Palestinian urban life. It was "second to none" politically, economically, culturally, and religiously.
Thereafter, conditions deteriorated. Yet its own statute obligations and international law require Israel "to meticulously ensure the rights of East Jerusalem residents, and to seek unique solutions particular to their political situation. But over the past 45 years, both municipal and state authorities have instead conducted a policy of neglect and violation of the basic rights of the residents."In recent years, political, economic and social conditions experienced "a precipitous decline. The cumulative effects of annexation, neglect, rights violations, and the completion of the Separation Barrier have led to an unprecedented deterioration in the conditions of Palestinian East Jerusalemites."
Key factors include:
(1) Separation Wall, checkpoints, permit authority, and other racist barriers enforce isolation from the West Bank. All aspects of life are harmed. Israel willfully enforces harshness to encourage and/or force Palestinians to leave.
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
1
1
