Jerusalem, December 15, 2020-The International Peace and Cooperation Centre (IPCC), with support from the European Union, organized a workshop at its Jerusalem branch as part of the project "Facts on the Ground: Palestinian Community Initiatives in East Jerusalem." The event aimed to activate the role of urban and community leaders in Jerusalem through...

Jerusalem, December 15, 2020-The International Peace and Cooperation Centre (IPCC), with support from the European Union, organized a workshop at its Jerusalem branch as part of the project "Facts on the Ground: Palestinian Community Initiatives in East Jerusalem." The event aimed to activate the role of urban and community leaders in Jerusalem through capacity building and community-driven initiatives. Attended by 12 lawyers, engineers, and community activists, the workshop adhered to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. It focused on key issues, including East Jerusalem’s planning realities, recent amendments to the Planning and Building Law, proposed Israeli plans, and mechanisms for objections.

Dr. Rami Nasrallah, IPCC’s head, welcomed participants and provided an overview of the EU-funded project. He presented on the geographical and demographic shifts in Jerusalem, its evolving boundaries, and planning conditions from the Mandate era to the present. Lawyer Mohammad Abu Sunaina elaborated on the hierarchy of planning authorities, current zoning classifications, and legal procedures for rezoning and construction. He used the National Park Plan between Al-Issawiya and Al-Tur as a case study, explaining the steps for filing objections, with the deadline for submissions extended to January 21, 2021. Additionally, Eng. Abdullah Abu Qtaish gave a detailed analysis of Jerusalem’s central structural plan, highlighting its provisions, implications, and long-term impact on local communities.