Marco Rubio Opens Controversial Archaeological Site in Occupied East Jerusalem

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Inaugurates Israeli Settler-Led Archaeological Site in Jerusalem JERUSALEM (Reuters) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday inaugurated a contentious archaeological tourism site led by an Israeli settler group in occupied East Jerusalem, sparking condemnation from Palestinian rights groups. Rubio was a guest of honor at the opening ceremony of the "Pilgrimage Road," a tunnel excavated under Palestinian homes next to Jerusalem's Old City. The site is operated by Elad, a settler organization that has been accused of using archaeological excavations as a means to expand Jewish settlements in the area. "This excavation is perhaps one of the most significant discoveries in recent years," Rubio said at the ceremony, according to a statement from his office. "It sheds new light on the rich history and heritage of this sacred city." However, Palestinian rights groups have long criticized Elad's activities as part of Israel's efforts to expand its grip on Jerusalem's most sensitive holy sites. The group has been accused of using archaeological excavations as a means to displace Palestinian residents and justify further settlement expansion. "This is a clear example of the US giving its backing to Israel's grip on settlement in East Jerusalem," said Maha Abu Dayyeh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee. "We condemn this move and call on the international community to take action against these illegal settlements." The City of David archaeological site has been at the center of controversy for years, with residents of Silwan facing eviction orders and home demolitions to make way for Jewish settlements and the expansion of the park. According to a 2020 report by the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem, Elad's activities in Silwan have resulted in the displacement of over 1,000 Palestinian residents since the 1990s. The organization has also accused Elad of using its archaeological excavations as a means to justify further settlement expansion. Rubio's visit comes amid growing tensions between the US and the international community over Israel's continued settlement expansion in occupied East Jerusalem. In recent months, the US has come under criticism for its failure to condemn Israeli settlements, with many accusing the administration of abandoning its commitment to a two-state solution. The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from the Israeli government, including Deputy Foreign Minister Idan Roll and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Rubio's visit has sparked renewed debate over the role of the US in promoting peace in the region. *Reporting by Bbc.*