Israel Israel using tourism to legitimise settlements, says EU report Exclusive: European Union Heads of Mission warn ‘touristic settlements’ are being used as a political tool A general view of Silwan in East Jerusalem where the government provides tours of the ruins. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty ImagesIsrael is developing archaeological and tourism sites to legitimise illegal settlements in Palestinian neighbourhoods of Jerusalem, European Union diplomats in the city have warned. A leaked report acquired by the Guardian cited projects in parts of East Jerusalem – occupied by Israel since 1967 – that are being used “as a political tool to modify the historical narrative and to support, legitimise and expand settlements”. “East Jerusalem is the only place where Israeli national parks are declared on populated neighbourhoods,” the report said. Expected to be operational in 2020 and aiming to transport more than 3,000 people per hour, the report warned the “highly controversial” plan would contribute to the consolidation of “touristic settlements”.

Source: The Guardian February 01, 2018 11:42 UTC