Jerusalem: Israeli occupation authorities on Tuesday compelled a Palestinian resident to demolish his own house in the Sur Baher neighborhood, southeast of East Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. This action was reportedly due to the house being built without a license, as stated by the Jerusalem Governorate.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Mohammad Abed Mohammad al-A'mas undertook the demolition of his home to avoid incurring substantial fines that would have been imposed if the Jerusalem occupation municipality had conducted the demolition. Israel frequently demolishes houses under the claim of illegal construction to limit Palestinian expansion in the occupied city.
The occupation municipality and government continue to construct numerous housing units in illegal settlements in East Jerusalem, aimed at altering the demographic balance in favor of Jewish colonists. Although Palestinians in East Jerusalem reside in a region recognized as part of the Palestinian Territory, under Israeli military control since 1967, they lack citizenship rights and are classified merely as "residents." This status can be revoked if they reside outside the city for extended periods.
Discrimination against Palestinians in East Jerusalem spans various aspects of life, including housing, employment, and access to services. They are also restricted from accessing services in the West Bank due to the construction of Israel's separation barrier. A report by the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem highlights that the policies upheld by Israel's High Court, which result in the dispossession of Palestinians in Area C of the West Bank, could be considered war crimes. The report, titled Fake Justice, asserts that the court's endorsement of Israeli planning policies equates to support for the forcible transfer of Palestinians, a violation of international law.