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American top diplomat the chief US diplomat has opened a disputed archaeological tourism site managed by an Jewish settlement organization in occupied East Jerusalem.

America's chief foreign envoy was a special invitee at the inauguration of the so-called "Pilgrimage Road", a underground passage excavated under Palestinian homes next to the historic quarter of Jerusalem.

The opening ceremony took place at the ancient biblical site, a biblical tourism site managed by the Elad settler organisation in the district of Wadi Hilweh.

Mr Rubio's participation was denounced by local advocacy organizations as providing American support to Israel's "expansionist policies" near the city's revered religious landmarks.

Local Inhabitants Confront Eviction Orders

Locals of Silwan have for years faced displacement notices and property destructions to allow for Israeli housing projects and the expansion of the archaeological park, as reported by advocacy organizations. Israeli settlements are prohibited under international law.

"Among the world's most significant historical discoveries", the Secretary characterized the dig, saying it had profound significance to people in the United States. He previously said he understood "people want to involve politics in it"… "However, ultimately, this remains a remarkable historical find".

Palestinian Perspectives

Local inhabitant a community representative, in his sixties, said the US official was siding with extremists in the Tel Aviv administration instead of being on the side of global legal standards.

"He is ignoring our [Palestinian] history", he said. "He does not witness the home demolitions, forced displacements, and systematic erasure occurring here".

Mr Abu Diab spoke next to the debris of his home, which was torn down recently at the order of local officials. Israel says such homes are built without permits, but these are almost impossible for local residents to obtain.

Elad Involvement and International Response

The City of David has been operated since the beginning of the century by a settler organization, which has appropriated land, taken over Palestinian homes and advocated for the removal of Palestinian families in Silwan, according to a recent report by the a United Nations investigative body.

A representative of the site told news agencies: "All the archaeological excavations are carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority according to the highest standards". He declined to answer additional inquiries.

The project is said to trace the route of a ancient street taken by worshippers to the site revered by Jews as the location of two ancient sanctuaries. As reported by Peace Now, the passageway extends 0.6 kilometers from the neighborhood, running underneath local houses and the Old City walls, ending near the base of the Western Wall.

The group called Rubio's visit "nothing less than American recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the most sensitive part of Jerusalem's Holy Basin". The group stated: "This move undermines Jerusalem's multi-religious character and disregards the rights of its diverse inhabitants".