Israeli police and security forces stormed the Palestinian professional unions’ building in Beit Hanina, north Jerusalem, on Friday. A polling station was about to open there as part of election day for the Palestinian Doctors’ Union, held simultaneously in West Bank cities under Palestinian control. Several attendees were detained for questioning, and a closure order was posted on the building’s door
Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, any form of Palestinian governmental activity in Jerusalem is prohibited, including professional union elections
Palestinian elections in Jerusalem dispersed by security forces
The raid reflects Israel’s continued effort to prevent Palestinian institutions from operating in Jerusalem. In early July, elections for the Palestinian Bar Association were similarly blocked, and lawyers involved were questioned. Now, security forces halted the attempt to elect the head of the Doctors’ Union in the city
According to Palestinian reports, security forces raided the unions’ building in the morning, dispersed those present, and detained several individuals – including union chairman in Jerusalem, Sufian al-Bashaf, and senior activist Dr. Samir Mutawe
Official order signed by Israeli minister
On the door of the unions’ building, an order signed by Israel’s Minister of National Security was posted, banning the elections under powers linked to the Oslo framework
Palestinians said they are aware Israel will not allow elections in Jerusalem, but insist on testing Israeli limits. Ramzi Abu al-Yaman, spokesman for the Doctors’ Union, said: “This was an Israeli attempt to erase any Palestinian presence in occupied Jerusalem and impose full Israeli sovereignty.” He added that “the Israeli move threatens the heart of the medical union in Jerusalem
Oslo Accords and the struggle for Jerusalem
The union elections are just one example of Palestinian attempts to establish a governmental foothold in Jerusalem. The Palestinians appointed a “governor” for Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, whose activities are heavily restricted by Israel, including bans on entering Palestinian Authority territory or meeting PA officials. Similar restrictions are placed on the head of Fatah in the city, and various Palestinian institutions are occasionally shut down for operating under PA sponsorship
Israel views the Palestinian Doctors’ Union, along with other unions and institutions, as part of Palestinian governmental structures tied to the PA. Under the Oslo Accords, such activity is forbidden in Jerusalem. Signed between 1993 and 1995, the accords remain a central point of dispute over Palestinian authority in the city
