27.08.2026 10:01
Israel removed the sign reading "Damascus Gate" at one of the symbolic entrances to the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem, which contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and hung a sign reading "Ancient Gate" instead.
Israel removed the sign reading "Damascus Gate" at one of the symbolic entrances to the Old City, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, in occupied East Jerusalem, and hung a sign reading "Ancient Gate."
OCCUPATION ALSO ADDS SIGNS
In a statement from the Jerusalem Governorate affiliated with Palestine, it was emphasized that the Tel Aviv administration continues to change the names of streets, landmarks, and historical sites in Jerusalem.
It was noted that Israel's policy aims to erase the Arab heritage in the city and impose Hebrew names to Judaize it.
THEY RENAMED THE CITY'S MOST IMPORTANT SYMBOLIC GATE
In this context, the statement said that teams affiliated with Israeli authorities removed the sign indicating Damascus Gate, one of the most important and symbolic gates of the Old City, and hung a sign reading "Ancient Gate" instead. It was stated that this is not a temporary administrative measure but rather aims to change the cultural landscape of Jerusalem.
The statement underlined that changing the names of gates, streets, and landmarks constitutes an attack on Jerusalem's identity and its Arab, Islamic, and Christian heritage.
HISTORY OF DAMASCUS GATE
Damascus Gate, located in the Old City area of Jerusalem and one of the city's seven gates, is the most well-known and frequently used gate because the city is surrounded by walls and it lies on the route to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Jerusalemite historians report that Damascus Gate was built by King Herod during the Roman period, was destroyed by Roman Emperor Titus, and was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD.
Historians note that the current structure of Damascus Gate dates back to the Ottoman era, being a work from the period of Suleiman the Magnificent, and they state that Suleiman the Magnificent gave orders in the 16th century for the restoration of Jerusalem's walls and the reconstruction of demolished areas.
OCCUPIED EAST JERUSALEM
Under international law, East Jerusalem is considered a city under military occupation. The international community does not recognize Israel's sovereignty or attempts at annexation over this city, while Palestinians view it as the capital of their future state.
United Nations resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 478, confirm that actions aimed at altering the character, demographic composition, or political and legal status of the city are invalid. Additionally, the Fourth Geneva Convention concerning the protection of civilians also applies to East Jerusalem.