Country: Israel
26 June 2008
The Jerusalem municipality has announced that it hopes to build 10,000 new apartments in Arab neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem.
If the plan, which has already received initial approval from the Jerusalem Regional Planning and Building Commission, does go ahead, then homes will be built in Shuafat and Beit Zafafa.
Jerusalem municipality's Osnat Post said: "The Old City faces a double problem. It is a World Heritage Site at risk where strict preservation regulations apply to avoid damaging its fabric. However, there is also a shortage of housing. We therefore set strict detailed guidelines for construction and additions, but it will be possible to quickly issue building permits."
Concerning the political sensitivity in East Jerusalem, a municipality representative noted: "We work by consensus. The government deals with political questions.”
