Jerusalem: The Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs called for urgent international intervention following the demolition of the 'Al-Wa'ad' residential building in the Wadi Qaddum area of Ras al-Amoud, which occurred this morning. The Israeli occupation authorities demolished the building, which was home to 13 Palestinian families, forcibly displacing approximately 100 individuals, most of whom are women and children. This act has deprived them of their fundamental right to housing, in what is viewed as a grave violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs condemned the demolition as an example of racial discrimination and apartheid policies systematically implemented by the occupation authorities in occupied Jerusalem. The Ministry highlighted that this demolition is part of a broader effort to displace Palestinian families and facilitate the Judaization and colonial project in the city. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 464 buildings and structures have been demolished in the Jerusalem governorate by Israeli forces, with 229 demolitions within the city itself.
The Ministry detailed that the Israeli occupation municipality of Jerusalem, supported by large police forces, besieged the building at dawn before proceeding with its demolition. It stressed that these actions are part of a continued policy targeting the existence of Palestinian people in Jerusalem, often justified under the pretext of 'lacking permits.' The Ministry noted that exorbitant fees and restrictive measures are imposed by the Israeli authorities, effectively preventing Palestinians from obtaining building permits and licenses, which contravenes the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
The Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs called on the international community, particularly the European Union and the United Nations, to fulfill their legal and humanitarian responsibilities by urgently acting to stop these demolitions and forced displacement, which it claims amount to war crimes. The Ministry also urged for the accountability of the occupation authorities for their repeated violations against Palestinian citizens of Jerusalem.