Early this morning, Wednesday July 14th 2010, staff from the Jerusalem Municipality guarded by the Israeli army put ‘No parking’ warning signs on all vehicles parked on both sides of the street in Wadi Hilweh. This action was taken without prior knowledge of the residents, while a court case over the issue is ongoing.

However, according to the lawyer of the municipality it is not intended to prevent parking on both sides of the street before the parking lots problem is resolved. But residents say the municipality’s statement lacks credibility because of the action it is taking in reality. One resident said: “The Jerusalem municipality has extensive experience in lying, it is not a new phenomenon.” A transfer of land the Palestinians use for parking will principally benefit the tourists who come to the so-called City of David.

The residents say they had previously seen warning signs that the municipality and the settlers wanted to create an irreversible situation on the ground – instead of waiting for the court’s decision – and prevent the population from using both sides of the street. This happened with Awhiton Street and no alternative was given to the residents.

It is worth noting that the area in Wadi Hilweh which has now had a parking lot called ‘Givati’ built on it, after the land was taken by the Elad settlement,  was widened to accommodate ”City of David” tourist cars. Since settlers have taken control of it, the local Palestinian population are prevented from using it.