Jerusalem: The Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem has issued a demolition notice for part of the Al-Aqsa School and Kindergartens located in the Sa'diyah neighborhood of the Old City of Jerusalem.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Jerusalem Governorate announced that the school administration has been given a one-week period to demolish the upper section of the school, which spans 35 square meters. The municipality warned that if this order is not complied with, it will proceed with the demolition itself.
The notice cites the lack of a building permit as the reason for the demolition. Palestinians in the occupied city often face challenges in obtaining these permits, which are rarely granted. This policy has led to numerous demolitions, either conducted by the Israeli municipality or by Palestinians themselves to avoid incurring high demolition costs.
Palestinians argue that they are left with no choice but to build without permits due to perceived discriminatory practices by the Israeli municipality. They claim that the authorities impose unattainable conditions that hinder their ability to secure these permits. Meanwhile, construction for Jewish settlers continues on appropriated Palestinian lands, with new housing units made readily available to them.