The most extreme and volatile expression of the race to create facts on the ground in Jerusalem is occurring in Palestinian neighborhoods in the Holy Basin - land in the Old City and its surroundings - where tens of thousands of Palestinians currently live: in Silwan, the Muslim Quarter, A-Tur and Sheikh Jarrah.  As strife in Jerusalem - itself the center of the conflict - intensifies due to the struggles over construction in the city and the separation barrier, activity in the Holy Basin is indeed the most sensitive focal point of this complex reality.  In an area so saturated with religious, historical, national and cultural sensitivities, measured and cautious conduct should be expected from those who control the area.  This is true at all times, but especially so during negotiations whose central focus is the Holy Basin.

The central relevant trends have been clearly expressed in recent months by:

• Jewish settlements in the area.
• Archeological excavations adjacent to the Temple Mount.