Jerusalem's Economy in the Wind: Occupation Siege Imposes Complete Paralysis on the Old City

A state of severe stagnation casts a shadow over the markets of the Old City in occupied Jerusalem, where Jerusalemite merchants watch their shops forcibly closed by decisions from the occupation authorities. Jerusalemite merchants confirm that losses have reached their peak at 100% during the current season, which was supposed to be an opportunity to compensate for the year's losses. However, continuous closures for about three weeks have turned the city into an isolated military barracks.

The occupation authorities impose exorbitant financial restrictions that burden those who remain steadfast in the city's markets, most notably the 'Arnona' tax, which for an average shop amounts to about $13,000 annually. These financial obligations continue to flow despite the absence of income, which has led some shop owners to abandon their businesses and seek work as day laborers to secure a livelihood for their families, in the absence of adequate support.

On the tourism front, informed sources revealed a widespread cancellation of all hotel reservations that were scheduled during the last ten days of Ramadan and the holiday period. Indicators had shown a tourist influx from Britain, Asian countries, and Turkey, but the security escalation and strict restrictions on entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre led to hotels being completely emptied of their visitors.

The hotel sector in Jerusalem is suffering from a historical decline, with the number of operating hotels halved since 2000, reaching only 24 hotels today struggling to survive. Tourism circles believe that every establishment in Jerusalem, from buses to small stalls, is part of the tourism system that is currently undergoing a systematic strangulation process aimed at changing the city's identity and weakening its Arab presence.

In a related context, official data from the Jerusalem Governorate indicate that the crisis was not limited to a specific sector but included a paralysis in commercial activity for both Christians and Muslims. Ramadan coincided with the forty-day fast, but the closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Al-Aqsa Mosque to visitors and worshippers led to the complete disruption of the religious season, which negatively impacted gift shops and historic restaurants.

Sources indicate that about 400 commercial shops within the walls of the Old City have completely closed their doors, while 30% of economic establishments are suffering from long-term closure. This bitter reality threatens to turn Jerusalem into a 'ghost city' similar to what happened in some neighborhoods of the Old City in Hebron and Acre, as a result of the marginalization and economic displacement policies practiced by the occupation.

Jerusalemites appeal to official Palestinian, Arab, and Islamic bodies for urgent intervention to support the steadfastness of merchants and protect the city's economic identity. Experts emphasize that breaking the economic siege requires intensifying visits from residents of the occupied interior and villages surrounding Jerusalem, to ensure the markets remain alive in the face of attempts at complete paralysis imposed by Israeli security measures.

If the merchant segment in the Old City collapses, the city will be in the wind and in a state of extreme danger.