Jerusalem: The Catholic Center for Human Rights, St. Yves, successfully secured an urgent order from the Israeli Supreme Court to temporarily halt the demolition of approximately 50 shops at the entrance to the town of Al-Eizariya. This achievement came after intensive legal action over the past Friday and Saturday.
According to Palestine news and Information Agency, the decision followed an urgent petition filed by lawyers Nusrat Dakour and Haitham Khatib, representing St. Yves Center, with the Supreme Court to stop the demolitions that were set to occur on Sunday morning. Last Wednesday, shop owners had received verbal notices to vacate their premises in anticipation of the demolitions, leading many to remove their merchandise amid uncertainty and concern. Most shops had not received prior legal demolition orders, although some were pursuing their cases through private legal representation.
The St. Yves Center highlighted that the petition questions the legal foundation upon which the occupation authorities base their demolition actions. It pointed out that, under Jordanian law applicable in the area, any claims of lacking permits require the issuance of official notices and the opportunity for shop owners to apply for permits and submit legal objections.
The center further stated that the petition seeks to provide shop owners with a genuine opportunity to contest the planned "Fabric of Life Street," believed to be the reason behind the demolition orders. St. Yves underscored that its legal teams are committed to working tirelessly, driven by the conviction that citizens should not face the increasing demolition policies in Area C of the West Bank alone. The center expressed optimism that the court's freeze decision marks the first step in enabling citizens to uphold their legal and human rights through legal and advocacy channels.