Rights Group Demands Police End Jerusalem Market Closure for Jewish Prayers

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has strongly criticized the Israeli police for ordering Palestinian businesses in Jerusalem's Old City market to close for eight days during the Sukkot holiday. Dozens of shop, cafe, and restaurant owners in the Al-Qattanin Market were forced to shut their doors to accommodate Jewish prayer services.

ACRI stated that approximately 200 Palestinian residents living along the prayer route were also instructed to remain in their homes during the services. Merchants reported this is the first time they have been asked to close for the entire holiday period, as previous closures were limited to a few hours.

The Al-Qattanin Market, stretching from Al-Wad Street to one of the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, comprises 56 businesses. Police reportedly informed traders by phone and then in person about the closure order, citing the need to facilitate Jewish prayers. No written orders were presented.

ACRI has urgently appealed to the commander of the Jerusalem District Police and the legal advisor, demanding the cancellation of the instructions and the reopening of the shops. The organization argued that the holiday and prayer services do not grant police the authority to disrupt commercial activity, harm livelihoods, or restrict residents' movement.

ACRI proposed alternatives such as rerouting or shortening prayer times, or deploying forces to protect the businesses. Lawyer Tal Hussein from ACRI emphasized that it is unacceptable to force Palestinian businesses and residents to pay the price for Jewish prayer services, urging the police to reverse the decision immediately. ACRI stated it would consider legal action if no response is received by 11 AM today.