Mayor says Jerusalem cannot be split

Israeli politician says partition as part of peace deal with Palestinians will not work and only united city can thrive.

Israel
Palestinians demand the eastern sector of the city as their capital [Reuters]

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has said that any partition of the city as part of a future peace agreement with Palestinians will not work, insisting only a united city could function and thrive.

His administration has treated the city’s Arab residents honestly and equally and even they oppose partition, Barkat told Associated Press on Tuesday.

“It will never function, it will never work. It is a bad deal,” Barkat said. 

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators recently resumed peace negotiations after a five-year lull.

Palestinians demand the eastern sector of the city as their future capital and consider any Israeli construction there illegal settlements that hinder the prospect of peace.

Palestinians make up about a third of Jerusalem’s 800,000 residents.

Israel annexed East Jerusalem after its 1967 war with its Arab neighbours, and claims the area as an inseparable part of its territory.

Source: AP