‘No income, no life’: Jerusalem’s Old City suffers as Israel-Gaza war rages

The once vibrant streets of Jerusalem's Old City have become eerily silent due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This war has deterred tourists, leading to a significant loss of income for the city. The Old City, a labyrinth of shopping streets surrounding sacred sites, has seen most of its businesses shut down nearly a month into the conflict. The few remaining shopkeepers who dare to open their doors wait in vain for the return of tourists. Marwan Attieh, a third-generation tour guide and souvenir shop owner, laments the demise of the tourism industry. He expresses the struggle of supporting families without any business, income, or livelihood.

The walled Old City in annexed east Jerusalem is a significant religious site for Christians, Jews, and Muslims, attracting pilgrims and travelers for centuries. However, Jerusalem's once thriving tourism sector has virtually collapsed since October 7. This downturn followed an attack by Hamas militants from Gaza that resulted in the death of at least 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials. In retaliation, Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, leading to over 9,000 casualties, primarily civilians. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed by many Christians to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial, now stands largely vacant. Pietro Mazzocco, an Italian seminary student studying in Jerusalem, recalls the church's previous vibrancy, filled with people praying and seeking spiritual solace. Now, it's desolate.

Despite the suspension of many flights to Israel and cancellation of tour packages, a handful of tourists have managed to visit the largely deserted Old City. Rachid, a French tourist, chose not to cancel his trip, wanting to witness the situation firsthand. He describes the experience as surreal, with empty streets and heightened fear among people. Beyond the tourism sector, daily life has also been severely impacted. Attendance at Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque has decreased, and security measures in occupied east Jerusalem have been intensified. Many residents of the predominantly Palestinian Old City are fearful of leaving their homes due to harassment and violence from Israeli security forces. In the nearby West Bank, Palestinian casualties have surged amid Israeli operations. Amidst the turmoil, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire with Hamas, deepening the sense of despair. Despite the grim circumstances, there remains a hope for peace among the city's inhabitants.