Jerusalem: Israeli occupation authorities on Friday compelled a Palestinian resident to demolish his own house in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sur Baher, according to local sources. They reported that Hamza Ibrahim Amireh was forced to tear down his home, resulting in 16 family members being left homeless.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Israeli authorities frequently use the justification of illegal building to carry out house demolitions, aiming to limit Palestinian expansion in occupied Jerusalem. In contrast, the occupation municipality and government continue to build numerous housing units in illegal colonies in East Jerusalem for Jewish residents, which serves to shift the demographic balance in favor of Jewish settlers in the city.
Palestinians in East Jerusalem, although part of the internationally recognized Palestinian Territory under Israeli military occupation since 1967, are denied citizenship rights. They are classified merely as "residents," and their residency permits can be revoked if they reside outside the city for an extended period. Additionally, they face discrimination in housing, employment, and access to services, and are unable to utilize services in the West Bank due to the construction of Israel's separation wall.
A report by the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem suggests that the Israeli occupation High Court could be held accountable for war crimes due to policies that have led to the dispossession of Palestinians from their properties in Area C of the West Bank. The report, titled "Fake Justice," indicates that the court's endorsement of Israeli planning policy equates to support for the dispossession and forcible transfer of Palestinians, an act considered a war crime under international law.
