The Israeli government has announced the approval for the rehabilitation of Mamilla Pool, an ancient reservoir that once supplied water to Jerusalem.

This announcement was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, coinciding with Jerusalem Day, which commemorates the Israeli capture of East Jerusalem in 1967.

Mamilla Pool, located approximately 700 yards north-west of Jaffa Gate and within the Mamilla Cemetery—primarily a site for Muslim burials—contains around 30,000 cubic meters of water and dates back to the Byzantine period.

During a visit to the site, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his vision for the restoration, stating, "My dream was that we would restore it, fill it with water, and it would be a world attraction."

The government’s announcement included plans to develop the site as a heritage space accessible to the public, aiming to transform it into a prominent attraction.

Mayor Lion also endorsed the project, emphasizing financial efficiency in the expenditure while aiming to enhance the site’s value as a cultural asset.

However, the restoration plans have ignited controversy, particularly regarding their implications for cultural heritage and existing Muslim burial sites.

Aviv Tatarsky, a researcher affiliated with the Ir Amim organisation, raised concerns about the potential desecration of one of the remaining parts of the ancient Muslim cemetery.

According to Tatarsky, Jerusalem's archaeological landscape reflects a complex history involving multiple cultures, including Jewish, Greek, Roman, Muslim, and Ottoman influences.

The Mamilla site has significant historical importance as a burial ground, with numerous gravestones still visible.

Critics argue that the government's approach to archaeology in Jerusalem often serves as a method to reinforce Israeli control over Palestinian territories and reshape the city’s identity.

Tatarsky stated that such initiatives not only inhibit the development of Palestinian neighborhoods but also alter the public perception of these areas, presenting them primarily as Jewish heritage sites.

The ongoing archaeological excavations and construction of tourist attractions in and around Mamilla have raised issues regarding Palestinian movement and community building, with large areas now restricted due to these activities.

This situation has been characterized by critics as an effort to marginalize the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem, leading to broader political implications surrounding heritage and identity in the contested city.

Archaeological practices in Jerusalem, therefore, are not solely about preserving history; they are seen as intertwined with contemporary sociopolitical dynamics that affect the lives of Palestinian residents and their access to historical spaces.