Israel closes down three Palestinian offices in Jerusalem

Israeli authorities have decided to close down three offices in the occupied city of Jerusalem (Al-Quds), claiming they belong to the Palestinian National Authority, Radio Israel reported.

The source added that it has also been decided to monitor the activities of some Palestinian figures in the Arab sector of the city.

The VIP cards of three Palestinian figures were revoked last week, following a visit to the area by a European Union delegation.

The three Palestinian offices to be shut down are the Palestinian detainee club, the office of the Palestinian official in charge of Christian affairs and the office of the Palestinian news agency, WAFA, in the city.

Israel made the decision as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is running for another term in next May's elections, is claiming the role of defensor of Israel's sovereignty over the city.

The Palestinian official in charge of Al-Quds, Faysal Al-Husseini, has accused that Israel's tightening of repression measures against Palestinians is motivated by election considerations.

Al-Husseini's accusations are supported by foreign diplomats, mainly the European ones who visited him Monday at the Orient House.