Israel closes 10 shops run by Arab-Israelis

The occupying forces are launching demolitions for 16 commercial shops in the Shuafat camp in occupied Jerusalem [Facebook]

Israeli Regional Committee for Planning and Construction Council has issued orders to close and evacuate ten shops owned by Arab citizens near the city of Taiba in Israel, Arab48 reported yesterday.

The shops are located in an area between the cities of Taiba and Qalansawe which the committee claims isn’t approved for construction.

Speaking to Arab48, one shop owner said: “The Israeli committee handed over the orders to ten shop owners claiming that their existence in these shops is illegal.”

“These are oppressive measures and they target the Arab traders in order to harm their economy.”

“We have all the needed licenses for these shops, which we built many years ago. We have all the proofs. We have been paying taxes [to the Israeli authorities] regularly,” he added.

Palestinian citizens of Israel plan to hold a solidarity protest in support of the shop owners on Sunday.

READ: PA says Arab-Israelis must get permission to rent in West Bank

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