Israeli occupation has completed construction of watchtower checkpoint at Damascus Gate, the main for Muslims into Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The watchtower checkpoint is one of three that Israeli occupation began to install last month, drawing criticism from Palestinian residents of Jerusalem’s Old City.
Palestinians say the construction of the watchtower is aimed at further restricting Palestinian access to the area and solidifying an already constant presence of Israeli forces in the area.
Damascus Gate was the site of several Israeli shooting of Palestinians, some of them killed and others wounded, since the start of the wave of unrest began in October 2015. Israeli occupation forces shot Palestinians there, claiming they attempted to stab Israelis.
In addition to the police watch tower, surveillance cameras have been set up by Israel at almost every corner and street in and around the Old City to monitor all activity.
In June 2017, Israeli officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved a new “security strategy” at the Damascus Gate area, after Netanyahu suggested it be turned into a “sterile area.”
Israel’s Channel 2 reported at the time that the approved security strategy will include building high, above-ground “surveillance points” in areas where Israeli forces will be stationed. This complicates the already complicated movement of Muslim worshipers.
“Certain routes will be specified for entering the Old City at the Damascus Gate, and more technological devices will be installed and used at the area to maintain Israeli police’s control and surveillance over the area,” the Israeli TV reported.
Additionally, Channel 2 said that Palestinians would only be allowed to enter the Old City through Damascus Gate via specific routes, where Palestinians will undergo “thorough searches.”
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