Jerusalem: The Israeli authorities are continuing to rename streets, landmarks, and historic sites in Jerusalem as part of a policy aimed at replacing traditional Arab place names with Hebrew ones, the Jerusalem Governorate said Wednesday. The governorate highlighted the installation of a sign reading 'Old Gate' while removing signs bearing the original name of Bab al-Amoud, also known as the Damascus Gate, one of the well-known entrances to Jerusalem's Old City.

According to Anadolu Agency, the renaming is not only an administrative change but is part of a broader effort to reshape Jerusalem's urban and cultural landscape and efface historic Arab place names. The governorate expressed concern that the names of Jerusalem's gates, streets, and landmarks are integral to the city's national, historical, and cultural memory. It warned that replacing them threatens the city's Arab, Islamic, and Christian heritage.

The governorate cautioned against 'continued efforts to alter Jerusalem's historic character,' asserting that Israeli attempts to impose new realities would 'not erase the city's history or collective memory.' This statement came a day after Israel seized the Qalandia Training Center, operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), in occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinian authorities have called for a 'firm international response' to this action.

East Jerusalem is considered occupied territory under international law. The international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the historic city, while Palestinians regard East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Several UN resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 478, reject measures aimed at changing the character, demographic composition, or political and legal status of Jerusalem.