hebrew neighbourhood jerusalem established late 19th century outside old city west gate mixed jewish arab business district located armistice line israeli held sector city buildings destroyed israeli government approved urban renewal project land residential commercial zones including hotels office space mall opened geography neighbourhood located northwest extension valley extends southwest corner old city city western wall neighbourhood bounded gate road east north downtown neighbourhood west upward slope southwestern edge total area square kilometres history ottoman era late 19th century area old city walls barren undeveloped notable junction paths road highway road outside gate structures saint vincent paul emerging french compound early building developed extension adjacent city walls gate quarter merchants home commerce residences find room old city jerusalem prominent modern businesses like hotel fast built ottoman authorities erected clock tower gate british removed decade later british mandate era british arrival jerusalem heralded rational philosophy infrastructure planning development respected cultural historic heritage attempted preserve elements construction modern city city walls identified element british workers acted clear away stalls perimeter maintain open area walls rest new city interest aesthetically pleasing visual basin token planners demolished ottoman clock tower preserve historic skyline following approval partition plan arab mob burned district stabbed jewish residents course jerusalem riots events leading area decades long era arab israeli war commenced neighbourhood location israeli forces combat zone leading flight jewish arab residents consul thomas assassinated shortly leaving french district signing armistice agreements division jerusalem western quarters held israel eastern quarter man land barbed wire concrete israeli lines active hostile border subjected sniper attacks stones thrown arab old city walls neighbourhood border areas city experience sharp decline subsequently home families new immigrants children weak financial abilities dirty light industry like auto repair period residents primarily immigrants israeli children urban renewal plans day war jerusalem municipal borders expanded include old city lined border torn buildings eastern end fighting lack maintenance historic buildings condemned stern house housed leader visit popular outcry brought supreme_court involvement led temporary nearby historical landmark 1970s saw numerous proposals neighbourhood defined zone high priority reconstruction efforts administration responsible preservation construction old city took jurisdiction proximity possession considerations british weighed regulating development master plan city centre transferred square kilometres municipal firm led architects gilbert charged project called destruction building save french vincent paul plan called subterranean street system ground buildings offices stores pedestrian parking cars bus terminal plan evoked massive criticism city government mayor lent political backing plan deputy mayor commissioned conservative plan architect david based mayor immediately filed away discussion evicted families communal institutions businesses placing developing moved industry seed current industrial zone cost israeli government million completed ceased exist neighbourhood instead compound slated future construction evicted residents jewish immigrants arab states weak financial status left vulnerable plan following steep increase real estate values depressed areas like near armistice line old city perceived evicted jews injustice key issue 1970s israeli social founding black movement israel years controversy half constructed project remained heart city revised plan drawn architect incorporating elements conservative design moved forward new plan called compound divided areas open air mall mixed use storey buildings multi storey car park residential housing hotels border downtown british group controls hotels corporation won bid build project main hotel originally jerusalem david citadel hotel housing built luxury community named david village hebrew david numerous disputes led british firm exit project shares assumed alfred company objections sources including religious groups opposed entertainment area close old city possible operation jewish kept construction crawl accused breach contract sued years frozen construction drawn jerusalem district court found parts parties complaints justified ordered million paid allowed construction resume saw opening phase shopping mall meter completion remainder stern house rebuilding construction including room star second hotel scheduled completed spring like luxury city apartments david village development owned foreigners visit days weeks year critics contend makes ghost town city centre location projected simon center center human dignity controversial project construction require building old muslim cemetery mall million pedestrian shopping mall touted luxury destination style los_angeles drive grove commercial space leased square metre businesses including international names like mac stern polo tommy local chains like books cafe mall slated house theatre gap store israel opened mall august fountain fountain opened valley slope notable residents born football soccer player manager


arabic spelled palestinian arab village located kilometers east acre population majority muslims significant minority christians total land area consisted square kilometers village arab israeli war mentioned century persian known village came rule late 13th century early 16th century conquered ottomans ruled centuries travelers reports late 19th century documented mosque church elementary school boys girls school built british mandate rule palestine home local power disputes neighboring villages center rebel operations revolt british rule 1940s village inhabitants lost lands debt shifted labor jobs nearby cities majority residents men women continued engage farming selling grains crops markets acre captured early june local militia recaptured village permanently occupied late june afterward inhabitants including future palestinian poet fled nearby villages lebanon jewish communities established lands respectively history middle ages mentioned rule visited persian describes lying acre reports having visited described tombs control palestine referred john lord sold villages knights mentioned acre based domain truce agreement sultan late 13th century defeated conquered outposts palestine northern coastline ottoman era came ottoman rule palestine small village acre district village paid taxes wheat fruit goats according ottoman tax registers residents map napoleon invasion french depicted location map late 19th century grew large village southern area north lay beautiful olive described western traveller region mid-19th century american biblical scholar edward robinson visited noted villages palestine operating christian eastern orthodox church british consul edward rogers recorded approximately inhabitants french explorer victor visited described christians greek orthodox noted fairly new church ottomans built elementary school boys british mandate period world war british forces drove ottomans palestine british mandate palestine established british census population consisting muslims christians christians orthodox census population increased muslims christians living total houses cement roofs widely 1930s time significant expansion village number inhabitants participated arab revolt british rule mass jewish immigration palestine commander revolt region arrested british sentenced life imprisonment british executed residents participated revolt rebel commanders participants revolt included muhammad ali number women participated revolt transporting arms water food rebels positioned hills vicinity elderly refugees interviewed recalled revolt local rebels set hit british military road adjacent august prompting british launch measures village particular british authorities gathered men forced cut plants near acre placed men population christians prominent families landowners village included families socio economic status village largely determined land ownership residents village tenant farmers worked major families according intelligence gathered jewish paramilitary organization palestine traditional local power central residents resolved conflicts nearby villages intelligence reported inhabitants long lived majority reaching age years 1940s olive oil presses mosque church approximately houses addition ottoman era boys school elementary school girls established time inhabitants lost lands debts concurrently men women increasingly worked public projects road construction oil british military installations compensate lost income main source income remained agriculture village principal crops wheat corn residents village owned total cattle goats chickens women particularly young women smaller families participated alongside men family working land women families drew income seasonal workers village residents lands general gender based divisions labor women collecting water raising livestock milk transporting goods markets acre collecting herbs men typically seeds men women picked harvested crops war israeli forces brigade captured positions overlooking june operation ben day truce arab israeli war fighting elderly residents hid church priest defenders village surrendered losing men running ammunition residents took refuge nearby villages thirteen days clashes continued truce according local men village armed rifles equal men armed non firearms unarmed women assembled near lines arab liberation army rifle armed force charged lines followed men armed axes sticks women carried water assist wounded hoc militia took small force soldiers israel defense forces surprise forced kilometer west afterward residents harvested crops remained village june commanders suggested join families nearby villages claimed stood clashes receive orders superiors announced battled units area inflicting casualties june new_york_times reported fighting village days united_nations observers investigating truce violations added small israeli garrison held prior truce fell troops based launched surprise attack residents camped outskirts village occasionally managed enter gather personal belongings end truce mid july captured israel operation fought recapture july village firmly israeli lines aftermath august jewish national fund called building settlement lands january established inaugurated village western lands according palestinian historian schools local houses remained standing built stone structures stood amid olive trees inhabitants fled nearby arab towns villages including fled lebanon ended refugee camp outskirts palestinian historian interviewed refugees born village lived childhood arab member raised issue internally displaced refugees demanding allowed return homes prime minister david ben replied negative stating presented facts abandoned village destroyed fighting inhabitants gangs israel defense forces government treat deserved permitted remain villages near residents israel government israel treats residents israel lacking means special body established deal refugees necessarily villages refugees begun december village site declared closed military zone geography stood rocky hill overlooking acre plain average elevation meters sea level situated intersection highways led acre located kilometers east acre nearest included south arab towns northwest north east northeast total land area consisted hectares built areas christians land accounted total land area planted olive allotted grains residents town sold jews rest arab owned october salvage excavation conducted site behalf israel authority finds include large building numerous late roman period bronze coin second century remains ancient olive press glass vessels wine bottles dated late byzantine periods seventh half eighth centuries underground water reservoir periods found


city arabic hebrew referred city palestinian city strip population making largest city state palestine inhabited 15th century dominated different peoples history ancient ruled nearly years romans later byzantines experienced relative peace port flourished city palestine conquered army quickly developed center islamic law time invaded city late 11th century ruins later centuries experienced hardships raids floods reducing village 16th century incorporated ottoman_empire half ottoman rule dynasty controlled city went age great commerce peace municipality established fell british forces world war mandatory palestine result arab israeli war egypt administered newly formed strip territory improvements undertaken city captured israel day war city transferred palestinian national authority months following election armed conflict broke palestinian political factions resulting taking power egypt israel consequently imposed blockade strip israel eased blockade allowing consumer goods june egypt reopened border crossing pedestrians primary economic activities small scale industries agriculture blockade recurring conflicts economy severe pressure majority inhabitants muslim christian minority young population roughly age city currently administered member municipal council etymology known military records iii egypt 15th century according ancient called prized city ancient muslims referred honor great grandfather muhammad buried city according islamic tradition semitic languages meaning city fierce strong proper arabic arabic din accordingly spelled english double arabic greek single voiced beginning gamma history history dates years making oldest cities world located mediterranean coastal route north_africa levant history served key southern palestine important trade route traversing red_sea bronze age settlement region dates tell ancient egyptian fortress built territory south present day site went decline early bronze age trade egypt sharply decreased urban center known tell began grow middle bronze age revived tell southernmost locality palestine serving fort bce occupied egypt second city developed ruins tell abandoned 14th century bce end bronze age ancient period later served egypt administrative capital reign iii city stop syrian egyptian route mentioned letters remained egyptian control years conquered 12th century according book judges place imprisoned met death ruled achieved relative independence prosperity persian empire alexander great besieged city resist conquest path egypt months finally capturing bce inhabitants killed taken captive alexander brought local organized city city state greek culture consequently took root earned reputation center learning philosophy war defeated battle near bce experienced siege bce king alexander utterly city killing senators fled temple apollo safety notes rule cultivated friendly relations neighboring arabs appointed governor rebuilt incorporated roman empire bce command roman province targeted jewish forces rebellion roman rule partially destroyed remained important city destruction jerusalem roman period prosperous city received grants attention emperors member senate governed diverse variety greeks romans jews populated city mint issued coins adorned gods emperors visit emperor personally inaugurated wrestling boxing competitions new stadium known alexandria damascus city adorned pagan temples main cult temples dedicated apollo local christianity began spread including port large existed 6th century according excavations conversion christianity accelerated saint ordered city pagan temples destroyed years later empress commissioned construction church atop ruins temple era christian philosopher called hometown athens asia following division roman empire 3rd century remained control eastern roman empire turn byzantine_empire city prospered important center southern palestine islamic era besieged army general ibn following battle byzantine_empire central palestine captured forces years later believed site muhammad great grandfather ibn buried destroyed inhabitants attacked army despite city stiff lengthy resistance byzantine garrison arrival muslim arabs brought significant changes churches transformed including present great mosque oldest city later rebuilt sultan endowed huge manuscript library containing manuscripts 13th century large segment population swiftly adopted islam arabic official language muhammad ibn ash born lived early childhood founded religious code major muslim schools law security maintained early muslim rule key prosperity alcohol banned islam jewish christian communities allowed maintain wine production major cash crop city exported mainly egypt bordered desert vulnerable nomadic groups destroyed civil war arab tribes area 10th century city rebuilt rule described large town lying egypt border desert established agreement rivals turks control land south including egypt controlled region north city conquered king baldwin iii built castle city knights great mosque converted cathedral saint john arab traveller wrote today populous hands led sultan captured later destroyed city fortifications richard apparently city walls dismantled result treaty agreed months later rule ended khan completely destroyed southernmost conquest following destruction muslim slave soldiers based egypt known began administer area capital province bore governorship district extended coastal plain palestine south north east far highlands hills major towns province included entered period outpost ended earthquake devastated years later destroyed restored syrian described city rich trees looks like cloth spread land governorship transformed city era architecture dates reign plague spread city killing majority inhabitants suffered destructive flood rare arid palestine arab traveler writer ibn visited city noted large populous contributed architecture building islamic colleges hospitals public allowed jews return city expelled jewish community prospered rule end period jewish community largest palestine communities jerusalem italian jewish traveller wrote called fine renowned place fruits renowned good bread good wine found jews wine miles walls miles sea situated valley hill population numerous sands sea jewish small pretty fields houses begun new wine jews live hill god live ottoman rule time small town inactive port ruined buildings reduced trade incorporated ottoman_empire ottoman army quickly efficiently crushed small scale uprising local population generally welcomed fellow muslims city capital larger province damascus family named governor dynasty govern continue rule city century ibn city cultural religious center result partnership governor prominent islamic din based nearby town rule strife settled population nearby tribes dramatically reduced allowing peacefully period described golden age time served virtual capital palestine great mosque restored constructed turkish market stalls death successor ottoman officials appointed govern place period golden age ottoman rule family removed office city gradually declined starting early 19th century culturally dominated neighboring egypt muhammad ali egypt conquered american scholar edward robinson visited city describing populated town larger jerusalem old city lying suburbs laid nearby plain city benefited trade commerce strategic position route egypt northern syria producing soap cotton trade government local arab tribes supplied noted robinson far better jerusalem robinson noted virtually ancient history antiquity disappeared constant conflict occupation mid-19th century port eclipsed ports retained fishing fleet plague struck city lacking political economic stability went state egyptian ottoman troops battled outside ottomans won control territory effectively ending egyptian rule palestine battles brought death destruction whilst city recovering effects plague modern era leading allied forces world war british won control city battle war included mandatory palestine 1930s 1940s underwent major expansion new neighborhoods built coast southern eastern plains international organizations missionary groups funded construction united_nations partition plan assigned arab state palestine occupied egypt following arab israeli war growing population augmented influx refugees fleeing nearby cities towns villages captured israel egyptian president number reforms included expanding educational opportunities civil services providing housing establishing local security forces occupied israel day war following defeat egyptian army frequent conflicts erupted israeli authorities city 1970s tensions led center confrontation uprising economic conditions city worsened palestinian control september leaders israel palestine liberation organization signed oslo agreement called palestinian administration strip west bank town implemented israeli forces withdrew leaving new palestinian national authority administer police city led chose provincial headquarters newly established palestinian national council held inaugural session march israel withdrew troops strip removed thousands settled territory israel plan israeli withdrawal engaged violent power struggle rival palestinian organization january won surprise victory elections palestinian legislative council legislature palestinian national authority forces strip members dismissed government west bank response currently recognized terror organization western countries facto control city strip march coalition human rights groups charged israeli blockade city caused humanitarian situation reached worst point israel occupied territory day war israeli air strikes targeting densely populated areas killed israel commenced assault israel stated strikes response repetitive rocket mortar attacks strip israel stated responding israel military incursions blockade strip january killed conflict november week conflict israel palestinian militant groups egypt announced november says including civilians including soldiers foreign national israel killed israel conflict according analysis new_york_times men ages likely death toll geography central situated low lying round hill elevation metres sea level modern city built plain hill especially north east forming suburbs beach port located kilometres west city nucleus space entirely built low lying hills municipal jurisdiction city today constitutes square kilometres kilometres southwest jerusalem kilometres south kilometres north surrounding include north village refugee camp city south population depends source drinking agricultural use domestic supply nearest stream south sourced coastline bears small water winter virtually water summer water supply diverted israel coast main strip consists pleistocene like strip covered soil clay minerals soil absorb organic chemicals partially extent contamination prominent hill southeast known tell elevation feet sea level centuries claimed place brought city gates hill crowned muslim shrine dedicated ali ali old muslim graves surrounding trees doorway medieval arabic scriptures old city old city forms main nucleus roughly divided quarters northern quarter known muslim quarter southern quarter contained jewish christian quarters structures date ottoman eras built earlier structures ancient old city square kilometres seven historic gates old city gate gate gate sea gate gate town gate gate tell older buildings use style decoration features alternating layers red white masonry prevalent era contains gold market great mosque oldest mosque mosque lies saint church mosque districts composed thirteen districts outside old city extension city center district built hill east southeast old city period northeast era district roughly divided eastern western halves originally located old city walls 1930s 1940s new residential district currently divided districts northern southern constructed sand dunes west city center district built southern southwestern borders new neighborhoods expanded separate districts northeast southeast respectively known named military units settled era named military units settled areas old city districts northwest district built early 1950s named honor egyptian president district developed 1970s kilometres north old city named tomb located district absorbed village near border israel palestinian refugee camp coast city municipal jurisdiction late 1990s built affluent neighborhood southern edge southern coast city neighborhood climate hot semi arid climate mild winters dry hot summers spring arrives march april hottest months july august average high month january temperatures usually rain scarce generally falls november march annual precipitation rates approximately inches demographics population according ottoman tax records male tax statistics muslim population consisted households religious persons disabled persons addition muslim figure soldiers ottoman army christians households seven jewish households households total estimated people lived making largest city ottoman palestine jerusalem roughly muslim christian tax implying population making larger jerusalem time total number christian families outbreak world war population reached fierce battles allied forces ottomans german allies resulted massive population decrease according census palestinian central bureau statistics adjacent camp population males females overwhelmingly young population half ages infancy ages age massive influx palestinian refugees population arab israeli war population grown times size inhabitants refugees descendants city population continued increase time making largest city palestinian territories city highest overall growth rates world population density comparable new_york_city half paris density poverty unemployment poor living conditions widespread residents received united_nations food aid religion population overwhelmingly composed muslims follow islam period islam dominant conquered city promoted strictly religious educational policy time instrumental uniting arab turkish soldiers home small palestinian christian minority people majority live quarter old city belong greek orthodox roman catholic baptist denominations christians orthodox roman catholic jewish community roughly years old jewish households fled palestine riots consisted families land population survey population including jews left city war mutual distrust arab majority today jews living economy major agricultural products citrus dates flowers vegetables pollution high demand water reduced productive capacity farms strip small scale industries include production construction materials furniture pottery tiles oslo thousands residents employed government security services international organizations minor industries include food processing variety sold street including pottery furniture cotton clothing mall opened july worked israeli service industry border open israel strip source jobs disappeared report human rights development groups published stated suffered long term pattern economic dire development severity increased israeli egyptian report cited number economic illustrate point industrial operations suspended lack access production export problems unemployment close private sector generates jobs devastated businesses went bankrupt june factories employed people december employed construction industry paralyzed tens thousands laborers work agriculture sector hard hit affecting nearly workers dependent cash crops food prices rose blockade wheat flour going rice baby powder households spent average total income food compared decade number families depending food aid increased population relied humanitarian aid compared according report suffered shortage housing educational facilities health facilities infrastructure inadequate sewage system contributed public health problems following significant closure policy economy began substantial recovery levels height blockade economy grew months economic activity largely supported foreign aid donations number hotels including palestine grand palace adam cliff house palestine hotel located coastal district united_nations beach club street frequent destination tourists foreigners stay hotels journalists aid workers red_cross personnel hotels include hotel unemployment dropped percent november report palestinian chamber commerce called strip recognized economic disaster area concluded israeli operation pillar defense caused approximately million economic damage culture cultural centers museums cultural center located completed named founder mayor story building triangular plan cultural centers performs main functions meeting place large gatherings annual festivals place stage exhibitions library french cultural center symbol french partnership cooperation holds art exhibits concerts film screenings activities possible french artists invited display artwork frequently palestinian artists strip west bank invited participate art competitions established arts crafts village children cultural center objectives promoting comprehensive regular periodic documentation creative art forms interacted large scale class artists different organized exhibitions creative art graphics carvings nearly children strip benefited arts crafts village theater financed contributions norway opened theater receive funding depending donations foreign aid agencies foundation palestinian arts charity runs workshops develop young artistic talent drama skills teachers theater festival inaugurated museum founded opened summer museum collection features thousands items including statue gown images ancient deities oil lamps featuring cuisine cuisine characterized generous use major ingredients include sour traditional dishes rely clay pot cooking preserves flavor texture vegetables results fork tender meat traditionally dishes seasonal rely ingredients indigenous area surrounding villages poverty played important role determining city simple dishes beans dried leaves key aspect life local staple known dishes include literally clay pot crabs stuffed red hot pepper dip baked oven fish fried stuffed key ingredient rice cooked generous large fried fish era refugees peasants ate seasonal foods popular year round mixture water combined beef dish topped crushed seeds fried served wheat based dish flavored dried sour served like shaped little balls steamed soup restaurants located district fish popular tourists roots club stylish restaurant near port run staffed deaf people goal building society accepting people disabilities old city street stalls sell cooked beans sweet potatoes serve arabic coffee tea known sweet shops sell common arab sweet products located street alcohol rarity found united_nations beach club costumes reputed originated cloth woven nearby black blue striped pink green fabric continued woven strip refugees coastal plain villages 1960s narrow tight straight dense applied popular motifs included arranged clusters use odd numbers considered arab folklore effective evil eye recent decades islamic movements sought increase use women especially urban educated women styles introduced varied according class group identity sports palestine stadium palestinian national stadium located capacity people serves home palestine national football team home games played local football teams participate strip league include camp neighborhood sports club neighborhood governance today serves administrative capital contains palestinian legislative council building headquarters palestinian authority municipal council formed ali modern began son said appointed mayor ottoman authorities oversaw construction hospital new schools restoration great mosque introduction modern city british colonial secretary winston_churchill requested develop constitution mandatory palestine rejected july proclaimed city_council palestinian territories palestinian municipal elections held khan instead party officials selected smaller cities towns villages hold elections assuming fare better urban areas rival party won majority seats seven municipalities selected round voter turnout saw violent clashes parties left dead ultimately resulting taking city normally palestinian municipalities populations serve administrative centers municipal councils consisting members including mayor current municipal council consists fourteen members including mayor resigned november kept interim mayor april replaced deputy mayor education according approximately population age city population enrolled schools elementary school secondary school high school people received bachelor higher schools run education ministry palestinian national authority run united_nations relief works agency private schools total students enrolled teachers employed currently economy affected education strip severely september survey strip revealed nearly failure rate schools grades failure rates mathematics january united_nations children fund reported schools classes high energy consumption information technology science extra activities universities universities main universities city university open university university islamic university islamic university consisting facilities founded group businessmen making university enrollment students generally secular founded university established open university established educational region campus rented building center city originally students rapid increase number students constructed university owned building district enrollment students public library public library located street collection nearly books arabic english french total area square metres building consists floors basement library opened cooperation dating mayor municipality world bank library primary objectives provide sources information meets needs provide necessary facilities access available information sources organizing cultural programs cultural events lectures film presentations videos art book exhibitions landmarks landmarks include great mosque old city originally pagan temple consecrated greek orthodox church byzantines mosque 8th century arabs transformed church mosque soon muslims oldest largest strip old city include era mosque believed house tomb ibn dome nearby mosque dates ibn mosque built native ibn mosque built ibn mosque built houses tomb ali ibn holy man unknown soldier square located monument dedicated unknown palestinian fighter died war monument torn israeli forces remained patch sand public garden built funding norway originally era villa napoleon brief located old city today girl school commonwealth war cemetery referred british war cemetery contains graves fallen allied soldiers world war northeast city center district near din road infrastructure water supply according census palestinian central bureau statistics residents connected public water supply remainder private system connected public sewage system blockade severely restricted city water supply main wells drinking water function roughly population water regular basis municipality claimed forced pump water wells electricity million raw sewage million partially treated water day flowed mediterranean_sea sewage bred insects mice water poor country highly dependent water main resource obtaining quality water majority water transported jerusalem power grid began operating power plant built power plant bombed destroyed israeli defense forces prior power plant destruction israel provided additional electricity israel electric corporation plant rebuilt december jerusalem electricity continued sold according news sources presently egypt talks combine energy grid solid waste management solid waste management key compelling issues facing today challenges attributed factors lack investment environmental systems attention given environmental projects absence law enforcement tendency crisis management main aspects problem huge quantities rubble debris generated result israeli instance scale damage resulting operation protective edge unprecedented strip witnessed extensive aerial bombardment naval artillery fire resulting considerable rubble according recent statistics million tonnes debris generated approximately houses leveled ground including story residential buildings tremendous debris remains scattered efforts high budget required handle challenge importantly based study war debris highly likely contaminated probably compounds health care hospital cure founded district british mandate government 1940s housed army barracks originally provided treatment diseases egypt administered original department relocated city central hospital israel withdrew strip occupying crisis egyptian president hospital expanded improved ordered establishment second hospital district disease hospital rebuilt named hospital today remains largest medical complex late 1950s new health administration region established headed rented rooms city set government provided essential care arab hospital founded church missionary society destroyed world war rebuilt southern baptist hospital 1950s episcopal diocese jerusalem took leadership original restored hospital located neighborhood managed palestine red crescent society second largest hospital hospitals experienced power cuts lasting hours daily diesel required power generators short supply according world health organisation proportion patients given permits exit medical care decreased january december team doctors hospital spent year training clinic medical center jerusalem return center established cases referred transportation coastal road runs coastline connects rest strip coastline north south main highway strip din road modern runs middle city connecting khan south north northern crossing din street israel crossing crossing egypt crossing street main road city running north south branching din street stretching coastline old city ends gold market prior blockade strip existed regular lines collective west bank private cars city served buses international airport near opened kilometres south facilities damaged israeli defense forces rendering airport august ramp destroyed seeking stones recycled building materials ben international airport israel located roughly kilometres northeast city international relations twin towns sister cities


square square hebrew public square west jerusalem israel located intersection road ben street samuel street street square downtown triangle commercial district british mandate era square focal point cultural life downtown jerusalem square busy day night tourists elderly immigrants overseas students local youth street performers religious activists recent decades square homeless youth 1930s square popular site mass protests demonstrations square site palestinian terrorist attacks assault palestinian youths group jewish youths square originally called circus named cinema called hall seat silent movie house occupied site collapsed heavy snowfall cinema reconstructed seat theater film screenings live opera performances history land square downtown triangle lies purchased jewish colonization association greek orthodox began selling holdings jerusalem world war mandate officials developed field triangular district bordered road ben street constructed british king george street constructed british square designed british roundabout popularity films operas plays concerts lectures presented cinema turned square center cultural life jerusalem 1920s 1930s theater cinema coffee houses downtown triangle popular located square vienna cafe cafe political demonstrations square rallying point political demonstrations social protests beginning 1930s young held rallies 1950s 2000s primarily right wing demonstrations staged demonstrations turned violent protest israeli black prime minister burned protest prime minister signing agreement oslo thousands protesters continued destroying property route largest demonstrations square included protest arab settlements adjacent mount november protest policy restraint beginning second protest policies acting prime minister drew estimated people opening jerusalem light rail road august jerusalem police stopped issuing permits demonstrations square avoid disruption light rail operations terrorist attacks cinema site attempted bombings cases device planted theater seats discovered detonated july loaded kilograms explosives detonated square killing wounding time attack deadliest israeli citizens trapped bomb march bomb exploded garbage square killing wounding night august dozens jewish teens chased palestinian teens square beat unconscious israeli police witnesses described attempted decline redevelopment following jerusalem city embarked significant expansion large commercial centers opened new outlying neighborhoods customers away city center government offices began moving economic decline downtown triangle 1970s advent television precipitated closure triangle cinemas cinema closed demolished place high rise building containing hotel upper floors branch bank lower floors erected square converted pedestrian ben street streets downtown triangle successful effort downtown district jerusalem foundation floated secret proposal square plaza texas philanthropist pledged million square renovation architect ron london hired presented plan install red reflective steel sculpture focal point square plan reported public spotted jerusalem foundation website brought public attention citizens watch group launched successful public protest change sculpture time produced round sided steel peace dome span square road idea come fruition street scene square busy day night meeting place people walks life including tourists elderly immigrants seminary students street performers activists square described crowded crazy square drug users estimated percent teenagers hang square drugs open street level basement hotel known drug dealers prostitutes school religious immigrant teens homeless youth fixtures square street workers identified large groups russian immigrant youth hanging square drinking purchased money tourists square attracts sizable numbers settlement youth uprooted israeli reach risk square drop centers operate vicinity square including crossroads zone youth distress israel organization brings mobile unit square engage street youth art projects landmarks cinema central landmark square 1920s closure located south square originally seat silent movie snowfall destroyed structure rebuilt seat theatre staged plays concerts lectures films 1920s 1930s cinema cultural center jerusalem closure building demolished high rise containing hotel branch bank erected place room hotel purchased hotel management ltd property reopening samuel hotel hotel rooms rooftop restaurant degree view seven story square metres department store opened east square largest department store israel flagship store store chain store originally established opposite road moved location near king george ben streets north square stands jerusalem lodging opened hotel later known ron hotel begin stood hotel august announce dissolution sign soldiers israel defense forces west square stands building erected story office commercial building sports eclectic neo renaissance classical design building commissioned named christian arab merchant originally housed cafe europe popular jews arabs british 1930s 1940s housed jerusalem emergency committee


arabic hebrew biblical greek city northern west bank approximately kilometers north jerusalem approximately kilometers road population located mount mount capital palestinian commercial cultural center containing national university largest palestinian institutions higher learning palestinian stock exchange founded roman emperor ruled course year long history 5th 6th centuries conflict city christian inhabitants series revolts byzantine rule violent drastically community numbers city palestine came rule islamic arab ibn took control city century leaving mixed muslim christian population relatively forces took control interior palestine islamic rule continued ottoman follow following incorporation ottoman_empire designated capital mount district series number arab clans northern eastern levant dispatched city ottoman authority loyalty clans challenges empire authority rival regional leaders like 18th century muhammad ali briefly ruled 19th century ottoman rule firmly prospered center trade city captured british forces world war incorporated british mandate palestine arab israeli war city captured occupied subsequently annexed occupation israel day war today population predominantly muslim small christian minorities city governed palestinian national authority old city number sites archaeological significance spanning 1st 15th centuries culturally city known popular sweet middle_east soap industry history classical antiquity new city emperor founded roman emperor older village variously called passage located mount mount new city lay kilometers west biblical city destroyed romans year jewish roman war holy places site city founding include joseph tomb jacob city strategic geographic position abundance water nearby springs prospered accumulating extensive territory including hilly topography site allow city built roman grid plan settled veterans fought victorious foreign colonists 2nd century emperor built grand theater seat people coins found dating period depict roman military gods greek entirely pagan time martyr born city came contact christians city flourished civil war having sided defeated city temporarily stripped legal privileges designated instead philip arab transformed roman colony named julia retained status rule speculates christianity dominant 2nd 3rd century sources later date known certain bishop participated council presence city attested literary evidence dating 4th century evidence jewish presence ancient conflict christian population emerged time province rule byzantine_empire tension result christian attempts prevent return patriarch jerusalem episcopal conflict grow civil strife tensions christians decreased tensions christian community grew dramatically city site deadly encounter groups provoked rumors christians intended transfer remains aaron sons reacted entering cathedral killing christians inside fingers bishop fled constantinople requesting army garrison prevent attacks result revolt byzantine emperor erected church dedicated mary mount forbade travel mountain celebrate religious ceremonies confiscated actions emperor fueled anger christians rebelled rule emperor mount subsequently byzantine governor revolt took place leadership ben violent bishop murdered city priests pieces burned relics saints forces emperor sent quell revolt ended slaughter majority population city early islamic era palestine conquered muslims ibn general army ibn battle city retained form town prevailed important trade center centuries islamic arab rule muslim rule contained diverse population arabs muslims christians jews 10th century arab described abundant olive trees large marketplace finely paved great mosque houses built stone stream running center city notable mills noted nicknamed little damascus time produced known old world period city captured command prince renamed naples supplies population troops route jerusalem sack city presumably large christian population royal domain kingdom jerusalem muslim eastern orthodox christian populations remained city joined settled advantage city abundant resources convened council issued written laws kingdom converted church community built new second half reign muslim forces launched incursions regain control city arab turkish troops stationed damascus raided killing christians burning city churches unsuccessful city queen jerusalem resided granted control city order resolve dispute son baldwin iii began building christian institutions including church dedicated passion resurrection jesus erected pilgrims rule rule came end led captured city according manuscript latin christians fled original eastern orthodox christian inhabitants remained syrian wrote celebrated city palestine having wide lands fine district mentions large population city recapture muslims great mosque church rule restored mosque built old city great mosque burnt knights day raid killed people took women children sold slave markets acre built high priest converted church converted mosque churches mosque mosque century dynasty gained control reign built numerous schools rule possessed running water turkish exported olive oil soap egypt syria mediterranean islands arabian desert city olive oil mosque damascus ibn arab explorer visited described city trees streams noted city grew exported jam cairo damascus ottoman era came rule ottoman_empire palestine ottomans divided palestine districts jerusalem ottoman syria damascus subdivided addition city ottomans attempt political configuration region local level borders drawn coincide historic strongholds certain families number local centers power relations surrounding villages partially rural based chiefs 16th century population predominantly muslim jewish christian minorities decades rebellions mounted arab tribes middle_east ottomans attempted centralized control arab sent expeditionary force led arab officers central syria ottoman authority broader attempt established centralized rule empire time return services officers granted agricultural lands villages ottomans fearing new arab land holders establish independent bases power dispersed land plots separate distant locations avoid creating territory controlled individual clans contrary purpose campaign allowed arab officers establish increasingly autonomous officers raised families local area merchant families abandoning nominal military service acquired diverse properties consolidate presence income soap pottery factories agricultural lands grain mills olive oil presses influential military family originally local governors rural officer families included sultan families remained active service left service pursuits years following campaign families migrated northern syria came dominate competed influence town held post tax collector longer non family families maintained power mid-19th century century autonomous arab ruler dominant figure palestine order build army gain monopoly cotton olive oil trade southern levant including major producer crops egyptian invasion syria aligned besieged succeed taking city tried success political perspective led decline importance city favor acre successor maintained acre dominance reign ended regained autonomy represented principal opposing force rose power egyptian rule ottoman revival egypt led muhammad ali conquered palestine ottomans policy conscription new taxation instituted led revolt organized jerusalem area chief rallied rural peasants launched revolt governor protest conscription orders new policies leaders sent thousands rebels attack jerusalem center government authority palestine aided clan conquered city later defeated forces month forced heads clans leave nearby villages end august revolt suppressed executed egyptian rule palestine resulted destruction acre political importance elevated ottomans control palestine egypt based clan rose prominence egyptian rule supporting continued political dominance 18th 19th centuries principal trade manufacturing center ottoman syria economic activity regional leadership position surpassed jerusalem coastal cities acre olive oil primary product fueled related industries soap making basket weaving largest producer cotton levant topping production northern cities damascus enjoyed greater degree autonomy ottoman control probably city capital hilly region foreigners held military bureaucratic posts remained outside direct supervision ottoman government according historian twentieth century september september months palestine campaign world war battle took place battle set piece battle fighting took place hills british_empire corps attacked ottoman_empire army group seventh army held defensive position eighth army attempted retreat vain earthquake destroyed historic buildings including mosque subsequently rebuilt supreme muslim council mid-1930s previous picturesque character lost british rule emerged site local resistance old city quarter demolished british arab revolt palestine jewish immigration significantly impact demographic composition slated inclusion arab state envisioned united_nations general_assembly partition plan palestine arab israeli war came control thousands palestinian refugees fleeing areas captured israel arrived settling refugee camps city population doubled influx refugees heavy strain city resources camps located city limits today period adjacent villages annexed municipality day war ended israeli capture israeli settlements built 1980s early 1990s restrictions placed met land movement secure self notable outcome local agricultural production palestinian control jurisdiction city handed palestinian national authority december result oslo interim agreement west bank surrounded israeli settlements site regular clashes local prison known torture 1990s hub palestinian nationalist activity west bank second began jewish applauded danish cartoons published militias kidnapped foreigners threatened kidnap protest israeli military said remains capital terror west bank start second flash point clashes israel defense forces city tradition political activism nickname fire mountain located mountains closed ends valley israeli years movements city highly restricted city refugee camps constituted center production operation rockets west bank according united_nations office coordination humanitarian affairs residents surrounding refugee camps including civilians killed injured military operations april following massacre attack palestinian killed israeli civilians attending dinner park hotel israel launched operation defensive shield major military operation targeting particular killed operation houses destroyed severely damaged operation resulted severe damage historic core city heritage buildings heavily damaged destroyed forces operation determined path june remaining inside city end september months days hour according damaged mosque great mosque mosque greek orthodox church houses destroyed parts stone paving old city damaged hit rockets helicopters eastern entrance khan old market soap factories destroyed bombings cost damage estimated million geography lies strategic position junction ancient commercial roads linking coastal plain jordan valley linking north biblical south mountains city stands elevation meters sea level narrow valley running roughly east west mountains mount northern mountain taller peak meters mount southern mountain meters high located kilometers east israel kilometers west jordan kilometers north jerusalem nearby cities towns include south southeast northeast ash north tell west old city center lies old city composed major quarters largest quarter population growth led development smaller neighborhoods old city densely populated prominent families include large fortress like compound palace built 19th century located hall palace located center old city old city great mosque mosque tina mosque mosque mosque mosque mosque turkish old city prominent built built city 19th century closed restored reopened leather pottery textile workshops line old city streets number historic monuments old city including khan clock tower built climate relatively temperate mediterranean climate brings hot dry summers cool rainy winters spring arrives march april hottest months july august average high month january temperatures usually rain generally falls october march annual precipitation rates approximately demographics population consisted muslim households households christian households jewish households local ottoman authorities recorded population residents american visitors found town population chief jews christians british census palestine total inhabitants rising census palestine according palestinian central bureau statistics population census city population including refugees accounting city residents old city population population city comprises inhabitants approximately half population years old age distribution city inhabitants age age gender distribution males females religion early centuries islamic rule diverse population local muslims christians arab recorded rule dynasty muslim dynasty based egypt local muslims orthodox christians catholics jews populated city census population counted muslims christians jews census taken palestine riots drove jews majority arab cities majority inhabitants today muslim small christian communities local palestinian muslim population believed descended converted islam certain family names associated ancestry according historian large numbers converted persecution nature islam easy accept christians denominations figure christian populace seventy orthodox christian families thirty catholic roman catholic eastern catholic families thirty anglican families christians live suburb western city seventeen islamic monuments old city established 15th century addition muslim houses worship contains orthodox church dedicated saint martyr built ancient use economy historic beginning early 16th century trade networks connecting damascus cairo supplemented establishment trading posts gulf regions south east peninsula mediterranean islands crete cyprus developed trade relations baghdad ottoman government ensured adequate safety funding annual pilgrimage damascus islamic holy cities policy benefited economically pilgrimage key factor fiscal political relationship central government brief period early 17th century governor appointed leader pilgrimage large commercial compound purpose soap factories products middle_east exported soap city important cairo peninsula sea ports egypt particularly cairo merchants imported mainly rice sugar cotton wool cotton soap olive oil exported merchants damascus high quality copper number luxury items jewellery imported regard local economy agriculture major component outside city limits extensive fields olive covered area slopes crops tomatoes grown fields vegetable gardens grain mills scattered central largest producer cotton levant producing product modern era modern commercial center restaurants shopping mall traditional industries continue operate production soap olive oil industries include furniture production tile production stone textile manufacturing leather city regional trading center live produce industries centered old city vegetable oil industry factory produces refined vegetable especially olive oil vegetable butter factory exported jordan factory located factory produced pieces clothing daily production pieces daily mainly imports china exports finished products israel restaurants city hotels largest thriving soap industry largely isolated difficult transportation conditions stemming west bank incursions today soap factories operating city ice cream company largest ice cream manufacturers palestinian territories business developed ice factory set town centre produces tons day exports jordan iraq ingredients imported israel residents worked israel figure dropping city manufacturing sector economy drop workforce employed agriculture local trade wake unemployment rates rose according report reasons high unemployment ring city leading relocation businesses removal vibrant marketplace home palestine exchange financial index housed building suburb city trading session took place february topped million education according palestinian central bureau statistics enrolled schools primary school secondary school high school high school students received bachelor higher schools students schools run education ministry palestinian national authority united_nations relief works agency private schools home national university largest palestinian university west bank founded school college university closed israeli authorities reopened today university campuses students professors university include seven sciences health care hospitals major ones national surgery hospital located suburb western largest hospital city hospital services anglican hospital national hospital built respectively addition hospitals contains medical center center rehabilitation addition hospital built specialized open heart surgery culture arts culture enjoy certain renown palestinian territories arab world significant unique contributions palestinian culture cuisine costume meaning describe items soap food products cheese traditional style traditional costume costume distinctive style employed colorful combinations position important trade center market late 19th century large choice available city damascus silk manchester similar construction worn long short turkish style jackets worn daily wear white cotton preference winged summer costumes incorporated interwoven striped bands red green yellow popularly square chest piece cuisine palestinian cities sustained elite classes development culture high cuisine damascus baghdad city home number food products known levant arab world provinces ottoman_empire famed sweet originating 15th century recipe exported ottoman_empire controlled palestine time fine honey cheese center layer usually dyed orange food coloring crushed middle_east present day enjoys continued fame partly use white cheese called boiled sugar include plain butter flour sugar shaped fingers cultural centers cultural centers child cultural center founded built renovated historic building operates art drawing workshop stage play performances music room children library lab children happiness center established main activities include promoting palestinian culture social events classes field trips addition national culture football chess team municipal government established cultural center called municipality cultural center aimed establishing developing educational facilities soap production soap type soap produced primary ingredients virgin olive oil water compound 10th century soap enjoyed reputation fine product exported arab world europe number soap factories decreased peak thirty 19th century today efforts preserve important palestinian cultural heritage continue cube like shape inches tall inches wide color soap like page old book stamped seal factory produces soap compound came plant prior 1860s placed burned ashes gathered sacks transported area modern day jordan large city ashes fine natural powder called today combination lime local government city seat governed municipal council elected members including mayor primary political parties municipal council palestinian municipal elections reform change list representing faction won vote gaining majority municipal seats palestine tomorrow representing gained remaining seats vote political parties palestinian people party democratic liberation palestine failed gain seats council received votes year term legally expired december elections west bank scheduled july canceled lack agreement list candidates important municipalities failed resolve internal conflicts resulted competing lists headed mayor headed october municipal elections polls protesting holding elections reconciliation efforts mayor local leader won vote independent member independent candidate modern began appointment ottoman governor syria palestine july mayor lost legs result car bombing carried israeli affiliated underground movement current mayor member arrested israel defense forces operation summer rains launched retaliation kidnapping israeli soldier municipal council members arrested spent months prison charged municipal services households connected electricity public network prior establishment electricity came private generators today majority inhabitants nearby towns addition city inhabitants connected network majority households connected public sewage system connected sewage system established early 1950s connects refugee camps pipe water provided city households primarily public network residents receive water private system water network established british authorities fed water nearby wells far fire department cities west bank fire department founded time fire brigade called composed members vehicle department seventy members vehicles responsible northern west bank today covers fire department extinguished fires transportation early 20th century southernmost station spur valley railway station spur railway extension railway built beginning british mandate weekly train operated railway destroyed arab israeli war route line green line main road running middle west bank ends local arabs severely restricted city connected roads blocked israeli west bank barrier israel maintained effectively cut city severely social economic travel january buses trucks private citizens required permit israeli military authorities leave enter travel restrictions nearest airport ben international airport israel restrictions governing entry israel lack access foreign travel residents travel jordan use queen international airport requires passage number border main form public transportation city contains taxi offices sports football stadium capacity stadium home city football club main league palestinian territories club participated middle_east mediterranean scholar athlete games international relations twin towns sister cities sister city relationships


arabic capital egypt muslim rule built muslim general ibn immediately muslim conquest egypt featured mosque mosque built egypt africa city reached peak 12th century population approximately center administrative power egypt ordered burnt wealth hands invading remains city eventually absorbed nearby cairo built north conquered region created new city royal enclosure area fell disrepair hundreds years garbage dump today old cairo buildings remaining days capital archaeological revealed wealth buried material area ancient items recovered site display cairo museum islamic art egyptian capital capital egypt approximately years city founding authority dynasty staged revolt conflict focused egypt arab world gained power moved capitals areas established center baghdad moving capital previous location damascus similar moves new dynasty egypt moved capital slightly north city remained capital dynasty took control egyptian capital moved briefly nearby northern city lasted destroyed capital returned city lost status capital city ordered burning capital egypt ultimately moved cairo origin according legend location chosen bird dove laid egg tent ibn muslim egypt march alexandria camp time north roman fortress declared dove nest sign god tent left untouched troops went battle returned victorious told soldiers pitch tents giving new capital city popularly translated city tents exact translation word ancient semitic root designating egypt arabic meaning large city metropolis mean metropolis tent mean pavilion egypt day cairo colloquially properly country egypt country mosque mosque later built site commander tent early history thousands years capital egypt moved different cultures multiple locations memphis depending dynasty power alexander great conquered egypt capital city named alexandria mediterranean coast situation remained stable nearly thousand years army arabian captured region 7th century shortly death muhammad wanted establish new capital alexandria fell september ibn commander conquering army founded new capital eastern bank river early population city composed entirely soldiers families layout city similar garrison intended serve base conquer north_africa launch campaigns byzantium remained primary base arab expansion africa founded tunisia developed series tribal areas central mosque administrative buildings majority settlers came largest grouping western jews roman mercenaries arabic generally primary spoken dialect egypt language written communication spoken 8th century center power egypt dynasty started rule headed islamic egypt considered province larger powers ruled governors appointed muslim centers damascus baghdad major city 9th century population approximately general based captured region launched new era egypt center power founded new city north august naming cairo moved court tunisia cairo intended center government time primarily royal enclosure court army remained capital terms economic administrative power city grew ibn wrote approximately size baghdad population city known prosperity shaded streets gardens markets contained high rise residential buildings seven storeys tall reportedly accommodate hundreds people 10th century described early 11th century described rising stories roof gardens storey complete drawn water wheels irrigation persian traveler wrote exotic beautiful markets pottery crystal fruits flowers winter months major production centre islamic art wealthiest cities world report stated paid taxes equivalent day administration modern archaeological turned trade artifacts far away spain china vietnam excavations revealed intricate house street plans basic unit consisted rooms built central courtyard arcade arches courtyard principal means access destruction decline century egypt teenager position primarily ceremonial true power egypt involved extensive political intrigue years working repel advances christian forces din syria managed constantly shifting alliances playing effect keeping stalemate army successfully attack egypt blocked christian king jerusalem trying years launch successful attack egypt order expand territories finally achieved certain success army entered egypt sacked city slaughtered nearly inhabitants continued troops camped south city sent message young egyptian years old surrender city suffer fate seeing attack imminent ordered city burned hands according egyptian historian ordered evacuated forced citizens leave money property flee lives children panic chaos exodus fleeing crowd looked like massive army ghosts took refuge awaiting christian onslaught similar sent lighting bombs distributed city flames smoke city rose sky terrifying scene blaze days destruction syrian forces arrived successfully repelled forces christians gone able conquer egypt death reign effectively syrian general placed power died ill health months later nephew egypt march launching dynasty dying suburb center government moved permanently nearby cairo later attempted unite cairo city massive walls proved largely unsuccessful went egypt settled gained renown physician practising family successors title head nation faith bestowed wrote guide writings later discovered manuscript fragments ben located power 13th century 16th century area rubbish dump maintained population thousands primary crafts pottery trash collecting layers garbage accumulated hundreds years gradually population decreased leaving thriving city effective modern today little remains old city capitals absorbed growing city cairo old buildings remain visible region known old cairo rest fallen disrepair garbage oldest remaining building area probably mosque ibn 9th century built capital mosque built egypt extension mosque built africa mosque use extensively rebuilt centuries remains original structure believed archaeological yield substantial rewards considering remains original city preserved hundreds years rubbish archaeological excavations taken place paths streets visible buildings partially reconstructed waist height site difficult dangerous access nearby artifacts recovered far seen cairo museum islamic art


arabic palestinian town southern west bank located kilometers east known pre roman era later referred 4th century town best known burial place lot following muslim conquest tomb lot turned mosque islamic rule remained rule later arab tribe settled giving town current muslim scholar grew population british mandate palestine joined arab revolt site battle irregular palestinian arab forces british_army following arab israeli war annexed jordan came israeli occupation israel captured west bank day war transferred palestinian administration consequently municipality today serves commercial center area villages government services town population inhabitants situated higher elevation area altitude meters history early history known pre ancient roman times biblical scholar edward robinson identified site mentioned saint burial place lot 4th century modern town built roman jewish village wrote saint departing stopped height looked surrounding region remembering lot according tradition observed destruction location following muslim conquest syria century village known ali passed village noting near burial place lot town mosque cave orders ruler damascus 15th century muslim acknowledged lot buried cave west village beneath old mosque laid noted lot tomb site ancient times men age succeeding gone ottoman era town annexed ottoman_empire rest levant names indicated village ottoman tax registers listed population muslim households paid taxes wheat fruit trees goats muslim scholar ottoman rule wrote village known known form received arab tribe referred settled migrating vicinity end 19th century early arabic residents western travelers robinson visited noting probably highest point hill country french traveler victor visited found village deserted population left live tents avoid military conscription found living tent village kilometer away ready flee desert attempt enlist palestine exploration fund survey western palestine described good sized village bordered olive south west structures built ancient materials residences story stone second visit described cultivated abundant flocks desert areas east town town major supplier sand glass industry half ottoman rule administration jerusalem contemporary period grew considerably population early 20th century town participated arab revolt british authorities december british forces ordered demolition house owners accused involvement anti british incident near town fined town chiefs british pounds ordered residents carry kilograms explosives building demolition watch explosion measure palestinian arab led local commander battled british_army forces december according british military accounts resident called intervention rebels entered town israeli scholar wrote political rival informed military authorities rebel units forcing largely pro inhabitants join revolt british promptly confronted force british air_force assistance troops dispersed fled east pinned british forces killed rebels captured british soldier killed annexed jordan arab israeli war june day war town came israeli rule year old resident town shot killed jewish settlers nearby committee israeli occupation set residents killed israeli army center town wake interim agreement west bank strip administrative control transferred jurisdiction palestinian national authority august men women killed drive shooting road attack condemned israel tomb lot houses tomb lot prophet islam person judaism christianity center town tomb located rectangular shaped mosque contains inner court mosque northern gate built stones dating byzantine era church possibly stood site lot tomb mentioned saint john ali ruled area aware tomb belonged lot remained muslim sanctuary unlike muslim palestine converted christian use writer sir john writes miles grave lot brother ibn noted tomb covered fine building white stone columns muslim writers din wrote 15th 16th centuries respectively lot buried researcher palestinian popular heritage described golden writing red silk cloth covering tomb reading tomb prophet peace islamic era inscriptions entrance mosque state muslim scholar muhammad declared hills plains buildings paths gardens trees passage prophet lot son brother friend according muslim tradition lot lived moving shrine tomb restored sultan son sultan restoration work entrusted din member prominent family specialized religious tomb lot daughters opposite hill nearby southeast separate shrine dedicated lot known shrine prophet local legend claims lot prayed site feet rock visible according muslim christian tradition place departure angels saw smoke rising smoke geography climate forms generally rough rectangular layout widens northwest southwest town covers mountainous area average altitude meters sea level kilometers kilometers southeast virtually merged israeli settlement situated northwest south lies village town north ash forest lie west lands extend east mountains dead sea total land area town built areas roughly town located area palestinian security civilian administration area palestinian civil administration israeli military control nearby town east located municipal jurisdiction area israeli settlement established population located municipal borders comes israeli control lands fall area israeli security civilian administration average annual rainfall millimeters average temperature average annual humidity demographics ottoman village list showed houses population population count included men census conducted british mandate authorities population muslims rising muslims census increased according official land population survey rule population partly large numbers palestinian refugees settled town result arab israeli war later number inhabitants declined emigration refugees town parts west bank jordan inhabitants town gradually increasing population rose roughly people census carried palestinian central bureau statistics inhabitants refugees gender distribution males females census people living town nearby located municipal jurisdiction gender makeup population male female housing units average household size consisted family members inhabitants accounted population town officially considered urban area inhabitants muslims present town main families largest government established village council built areas transferred area giving palestinian national authority control town municipal council established council formed old members previous village council council seven members municipal employees municipal seats expanded palestinian municipal elections local group list won seats list won seats independent lists won backed reform change list won remaining seats gender wise females won seats males member votes head municipality addition number municipal employees increased municipal borders extend town include following villages grouping following despite having municipality official services provided city police station post office local security office education health schools boys schools girls schools educational schools school established consisting classroom enrollment time exceed female male students highest grade level fourth grade according census population population female total students elementary school preparatory school high school people college academic degrees higher municipality reported shortage classrooms health facilities privately owned town hospital health dental center palestinian ministry health runs center medical lab town additional health center ray center run charitable society addition town ambulance residents travel emergency treatment economy infrastructure serves commercial center area approximately labor force engaged industrial civil service sector employed israeli labor market work agriculture economic enterprises include stone cutting factories brick factory textile factory olive press metal workshops workshops seven butcher shops clothing stores shops decline market demand combined movement restrictions imposed israeli military led deterioration local economy particularly trade stone cutting industries unemployment reached consequently unemployed persons began looking agriculture earn income cultivated crops grains especially followed chick sizable segment population raise livestock breed domestic animals total cows goats sheep town agricultural products sold buildings houses working establishments pipe water reaches residents water pipe line kilometers length linked main water supply israeli settlement south kilometers main sub lines recently repaired cost project roughly million linked electricity grid municipality installed street lights generators operated hours daily house use


arabic translated monastery date palm palestinian city central strip administrative capital located kilometers south city city population city known date named dates late bronze age served fortified outpost new kingdom egypt monastery built christian monk century currently believed site mosque dedicated saint george known locally wars site strategic coastal fortress known continuously contested dismantled rebuilt sides final demolition afterward site grew large village postal route centuries served episcopal greek orthodox church jerusalem ottoman times late 19th century egyptian control population influx refugees arab israeli war prosperous agricultural town capture israel day war years israeli occupation city come palestinian self rule outbreak second witnessed frequent incursions israeli army stated aim stopping rocket fire israel member elected mayor late january etymology arabic translates monastery date palm named grove date lied west city dates late 19th century city locally known ottoman records translates saint george islamic tradition refer saint george inhabitants associated saint george town named person palestine mosque bears traditionally believed locals contain tomb later ottoman era referred arabic derived settlement era latin explained chronicler william tyre corruption house greeks recently eighteenth century scholar albert supposed roots ancient hebrew hebrew root south referred area south southern parts coastal plain foothills northern desert early arab rule southern history ancient period history dates century late bronze age time served outpost new kingdom egypt frontier reign king easternmost garrisoned fortresses eastern mediterranean string fortresses began fort west continued way military road square shaped fortress towers corner reservoir archaeological findings revealed large ancient egyptian cemetery graves containing jewelry personal belongings inhabitants fortress employed traditional egyptian techniques artistic designs architectural works cosmopolitan aspect frontier site proven rich findings remained egyptian hands conquered southern coastal area settlement thought situated southwest excavation site remains hidden large sand dunes pits dug late bronze age layers containing pottery findings period archaeological excavations egyptian period site executed israel occupation headed conclusion excavations area farming purposes covered vegetable gardens fruit main findings seen israeli museums like israel museum jerusalem museum byzantine period byzantine rule palestine established early christian monk site modern day initially built small reign set end life monastery grew began attract numerous visitors resided monastery total years departure cyprus died divided small cells constructed mud brick palm tree branches according local tradition observations western travelers 19th century prayer hall monastery currently occupied mosque french explorer victor noted marble columns mosque possibly parts byzantine era monastery early islamic period early period islamic rule muslim commander ibn launched raid byzantine held referred specifically area south included modern day site places palestine annexed following conquest ibn early muslim arab rule arrival late 11th century normally referred southern district capital fluctuated towns granted favored ibn modern day testified inscription dating located city mosque included large estate date rule built ruins fort referred built king exact date fort construction unknown likely erected following capture north described william tyre fort small quantum est containing inside space stone throw square shaped towers larger launching point unsuccessful military campaigns egypt addition role frontier fort border egypt served administrative center charged collecting taxes southern areas kingdom customs travelers coming egypt deemed permanent threat rulers egypt long construction small suburb village church established local farmers traders outside fort according medieval chronicler william tyre pleasant spot conditions life people lower ranks better cities population village consisted indigenous eastern orthodox christians allied protected administration garrison based fort inhabitants considered lower class integral members society european mixed descent absent greek bishops pope alexander iii gave latin patriarch jerusalem direct jurisdiction putting largely greek orthodox inhabitants authority catholic_church following withdrawal fifth offensive egypt muslim general fighting behalf attacked besieged fortress foray kingdom jerusalem despite initial gains captured destroyed later stronghold knights knights jerusalem led king baldwin iii muslim army defeated decisive battle leader independent sultan dynasty advanced south captured order fort demolition later decided destroying instead fortress substantially expanded strengthened muslims called fortress village wall strong towers protected deep moat stone paved sides hosted garrison commanded commander din served store supplies ammunition recaptured fortress short siege commanded king richard authority assigned count henry champagne richard later fortress demolished july prior withdrawing forces rebuilt fortress soon order use territories lost palestine crusade nonetheless sultan demolished case capture according 15th century historian decision resulted public resentment travelers merchants significantly benefited fort protection syrian visited noted cities lot contained ruined castle rule following demolition known long remained deserted eventually rule began era town came administration politically important province larger damascus kingdom damascus district province governor halting post newly introduced regular mail routes connecting damascus cairo run horse mounted colored syrian historian ibn mention list route stopping points instead noting post suggesting major settlement time 14th century egyptian historian account writing halting post roads bridges postal stations khan built town accommodate mail service introduced towers built produce available time period included wheat leaves sweet dates surrounding town arab clan lived ottoman era prior ottoman conquest palestine beginning years ottoman rule gained additional byzantine era monastery village continued thrive early ottoman era palestine attributed urban infrastructure originally established continued importance stemmed close proximity position trade route ottoman tax census revealed relatively large village mixed population christian families muslim families district muslim majority muslim families christian families estimated population villages time inhabitants annual tax revenue town amounted named village map substantial inhabitants died drinking water originating town swamps swamps seasonal forming winter result flooding failed breach sandstone ridge year later french explorer victor wrote small partly ruined village population date farming principal economic activity inhabitants engaged palestine exploration fund survey western palestine noted grown large village mud houses wells small tower time served greek orthodox church jerusalem modern era captured british_army following surrender khan february april army camp established launching point british forces ottoman held north northeast respectively british war dating world war largest built march continued march contains total graves british mandate palestine starting municipal council administer town established british authorities limited jurisdiction civil affairs provided basic services population arabs land according official land population survey citrus plantations land built land lead arab israeli war residents participated local attack nearby despite discouraged egyptian army officers repelled suffered casualties war egypt captured town towns area known strip later established court system held jurisdiction personal affairs egyptian rule introduced relative prosperity town witnessed citrus industry possible discovery substantial reservoir ground water vicinity day war june mayor briefly led local resistance incoming israeli army formally surrendering city shortly israeli authorities took control springs important irrigation source combined increasing competition israeli citrus farmers damaged local citrus industry mayor dismissed municipal council disbanded replaced israeli military appointed administration course israeli occupation urban areas extended lands designated agriculture largely result building restrictions hindered organized expansion broke residents participated uprising israeli rule residents killed uprising formally ended oslo palestine liberation organization israel city officially come control palestinian national authority result agreement city frequently targeted israeli military incursions second rocket strikes palestinian areas surrounding city frequent targets january israeli authorities hectares land area east center later january applied research institute jerusalem reported israeli staged area south city heavy barrage gunfire razed hectares land planted orange owned holy families clashes strip june ended gaining control territory killed january shelled israeli army month long offensive operation cast lead geography situated central strip coastline eastern mediterranean_sea city center meters east coast ancient site uncovered kilometers south central city municipal borders stretch eastward border israel urban area extend main din highway east nearby include camp camp north camp northeast south khan kilometers south city located kilometers north city absorbed coastal refugee camp remains outside municipal administration total land area recorded hectares total built areas city consist hectares divided administrative areas white marble pillar shafts built walls houses old resembled medieval era pillars temple mount ash jerusalem mosque mosque called feet feet built site byzantine monastery northern southern walls eastern wall survey western palestine related greek inscriptions steps leading door southern wall floor broken stone slab marked crosses apparently resembling greek inscriptions found eastern mosque courtyard center tomb modern masonry tradition claims tomb saint george known arabic prior orthodox islam palestine region contained numerous structures dedicated muslim patron saints mosque march ministry tourism strip began restoration mosque financial support foundation project aims convert mosque tomb children cultural library demographics population relatively large village influx palestinian refugees nearby areas captured israel war drastically increased population census palestinian central bureau statistics population recorded figure included adjacent camp smallest refugee camp strip nearly population age estimated population census population city making largest municipality camp population combined refugee camp larger population combined camp total households average family size consisted seven members gender distribution city male female entire population muslim sizable greek orthodox christian population existed mid-19th century british census palestine christians population today refugees majority population accounting city inhabitants figure included camp economy principal economic activity services accounting labor force commerce retail account agriculture fishing transportation communication manufacturing unemployment rate labor force participation rate business establishments city agriculture fishing known growing date estimated covered landscape south west city 1990s trees uprooted israeli army early years second beginning estimated addition local date cultivation constitutes principal sources income residents particular type date cultivated area known distinctly red color leading agricultural products cultivated include citrus city small fishing industry site strip active fishing vessels employed fishermen second income fishing order alleviate losses resulting kilometers fishing limit coast imposed israeli navy following victory parliamentary elections palestinian authority department fisheries sought construct artificial reefs city education according census residents age number people finished elementary education finished primary education completed secondary school higher education people attained associate degrees attained bachelor degrees attained higher degrees educational services jurisdiction khan higher education total schools according ministry education higher education palestinian government operated school privately owned remainder run located refugee camps vicinity total number students male female palestine technical college technical college founded located library added campus government village council established elected local government continued administer city israeli military authorities dissolved council appointed mayor gained status city palestinian authority palestinian president appointed mayor replaced wealthy businessman city services functions municipality include city planning infrastructure maintenance repair providing utilities school administration garbage collection member municipal council currently thought stronghold members defeated candidates palestinian municipal elections large margin taking seats despite political candidates ran female candidates gained seats local school operator member garnered votes making current head municipality