East Jerusalem:The Arab League has condemned the demolition of a residential building in the Al-Tur neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem by Israeli authorities, with the involvement of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The building, comprising 10 apartments, housed Palestinian residents who have now been displaced.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the Arab League General Secretariat stated that the demolition and displacement actions violate the rights of Palestinian residents and are part of a policy aimed at reducing the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem. This includes home demolitions and other measures leading to displacement.
The Arab League emphasized that the destruction of Palestinian homes cannot be justified on administrative or planning grounds. It highlighted Israel's obligation, as the occupying power, to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect the civilian population and their property. The statement referenced Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which prohibits the destruction of property in occupied territories.
The participation of Minister Ben-Gvir in the demolition operation was cited as indicative of the level of official responsibility for such practices. The Arab League called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to act against home demolitions and forced displacement in East Jerusalem. It urged measures to protect Palestinian residents and their property.
Reaffirming its position, the Arab League declared that East Jerusalem is part of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 and is the capital of the State of Palestine. It stressed that any measures changing the legal, historical, and demographic status of the city are null and void under international legitimacy resolutions, including UNSC Resolution 478 of 1980.
The Arab League also reiterated its support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.