Israel intends to demolish 200 commercial and industrial facilities for Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem until the end of this year.

This was stated by Kamal Obeidat, head of the Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jerusalem (non-governmental), in statements to the official Palestinian News Agency, "Wafa", on Sunday evening.

Obaidat explained that "the Jerusalem municipality was notified of the approval of the Planning Committee of the Israeli government to evacuate and demolish about 200 commercial and industrial establishments in the industrial zone in the Wadi Al-Joz neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem until the end of this year."

He added that these facilities are especially for the repair of vehicles, in addition to shops and restaurants, and it is one of the most vital areas in Jerusalem.

Obaidat explained that this decision aims to control the only industrial zone for the Palestinians in Jerusalem, within the framework of its efforts to change the features and identity of the city and to Judaize it.

For his part, Abd al-Latif al-Qanu`, spokesman for the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) - said in a statement - that this decision "is a Zionist arrogance that comes within the framework of emptying Jerusalem of its vital capabilities."

The Israeli authorities confiscate large areas owned by Palestinians in Jerusalem, claiming that they are “state lands,” meaning that they belong to the state.

Wadi Al-Joz is located in the center of Jerusalem, as it is only dozens of meters away from Al-Aqsa Mosque and the old city of the city.

According to the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem, since 2004 Israel has destroyed up to 1,007 residential, industrial and commercial facilities in the city of Jerusalem, claiming that there is no license or claiming that it belongs to "the state (Israel)".

Israeli and Palestinian estimates indicate that there are about 650,000 settlers in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, who live in 164 settlements and 116 outposts.

Dozens of Palestinians were injured and suffocated after the Israeli occupation army dispersed two days ago, rejecting settlements, in the northern occupied West Bank.

The people of Al-Sawiya organized a march condemning the settlements, in response to Tel Aviv's decision to confiscate tens of acres to expand settlements close to the town.

In the town of Kafr Qaddum, to the east of the city of Qalqilya (north), the Israeli occupation forces marched against the settlements, using rubber bullets and tear gas canisters.