Monday Feb. 22, 2010 9:02 AM (EST+7)
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RAMALLAH Feb. 22 (JMCC) - A walkway at the entrance to the Old City's Bab al-Khan al-Zeit collapsed Sunday evening, raising fears that excavations in Jerusalem's Old City are causing irreversible damage to the ancient infrastructure.
The one-meter deep collapse measured two meters square in size.
Residents believe that the collapse was caused by Israeli excavations in the area. Municipal authorities have recently been replacing paving stones in various areas, including nearby two Coptic churches and the entrance to the city's Spice Market.
The Jerusalem Center for Economic and Social Rights warned that this region of the Old City cannot withstand further excavations without serious damage to the homes and historic sites in the area.
Last week, the walls of the bedroom of Palestinian resident Qadri Shaheen sustained cracks, also believed to be from excavations in the area.
While Jerusalem Palestinians are able to participate in city government, they have boycotted elections since Israel occupied the eastern half of the city in 1967.
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