The occupation authorities closed the headquarters of the Burj al-Laqlaq Association in the Old City of Jerusalem for six months, by order of Ben-Gvir
Israeli occupation forces closed the Burj al-Laqlaq Community Association headquarters in Jerusalem's Old City for six months on Tuesday, following an order from Israeli Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. This is part of a broader series of measures aimed at Palestinian social and educational institutions in Jerusalem.
Israeli forces, accompanied by intelligence agents and Jerusalem municipality workers, raided the association's headquarters in Bab Hutta, Old City, imposing a full siege. They evacuated staff and employees from their offices and nearby grounds before delivering the closure notice.
During the raid, staff were prevented from returning to their offices or collecting personal belongings. The building was evacuated under direct threats from the forces who sealed the premises by welding the main gate shut, stopping all planned activities and programs.
The closure decision was made based on the “Law for the Implementation of the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip (Determination of Activities) of 1994.” It also relied on the powers in Clause (3b), citing that the association’s activities are considered to be conducted by, on behalf of, or under the Palestinian Authority within what Israel defines as 'state borders,” without written authorization as required by Clause (3a).
According to the decision, the Association is prohibited from conducting any activities in Israel, except for its kindergarten complex.
The kindergarten entrance is situated inside the association's building, and the occupation forces have entirely sealed the main entrance. This action threatens the kindergarten's ongoing operation and blocks access for children and staff.
The Burj al-Laqlaq Association stated that the closure order covers all its offices and facilities for six months, citing a law that prohibits the Palestinian National Authority from conducting any sovereign activities in Jerusalem.
The association's administration reiterated its rejection of this "unjust and arbitrary" decision, noting that it lacks legal standing and affirming that the association is a registered social institution in Jerusalem, operating legally and in accordance with established procedures.
It clarified that its activities are centered on educational, cultural, and sports initiatives that benefit thousands of children, women, and youth in Jerusalem.
The administration stated that the association serves thousands of Jerusalem residents and will contest the decision in court. It plans to use all available legal avenues to reopen its offices and continue offering services to the people of Jerusalem.
This decision occurs amid a growing policy aimed at Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem, involving closures, summonses, administrative restrictions, and bans on various artistic and cultural events. These measures seek to weaken civil society, hinder community efforts, and reduce the space for local initiatives.
The Burj al-Laqlaq Association was established in 1991 in response to a plan by the occupation municipality to develop 240 settlement units on the site. Residents conducted a 40-day sit-in to protect the land until ownership was confirmed for Jerusalemite families, leading to the founding of the association.
It is bordered by around 16 dunams of land (nearly 16,000 square meters) extending from Herod's Gate in the west to the Lions Gate in the south.
Jerusalemites set up the non-profit center on over 9 dunams of this land, while the occupation authorities took around 5 dunams.
The occupation tried to take over the whole area around the site, but was only able to control part of it because of the legal resistance from the residents.
