The Arab League has strongly condemned the demolition of a Palestinian residential building in Jerusalem's East Tur neighborhood by Israeli authorities, resulting in the displacement of several families. The demolition, which was carried out on October 7, 2026, involved the destruction of a 10-unit building. The Arab League's condemnation comes as the international community is called upon to take action to prevent further demolitions and forced displacements in East Jerusalem.
The demolition was carried out with the participation of an Israeli government minister, highlighting the official responsibility for such actions. According to the Arab League, this participation reflects the level of official responsibility for these practices. The League's sector for Palestine and occupied Arab territories issued a statement expressing its strong denunciation of the demolition.
The Arab League views the demolition as a violation of the rights of Palestinian residents and their properties, and as part of an ongoing policy aimed at reducing the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem. This policy involves the demolition of homes and the imposition of measures that lead to the forced displacement of Palestinian residents. The League emphasizes that such demolitions cannot be justified by administrative or regulatory pretexts.
The Arab League has called upon the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take action to halt the demolition of homes and forced displacement in East Jerusalem. The League stresses that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law and protect civilian populations and their properties.
The Arab League specifically references Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which prohibits the destruction of property in occupied territories. The League urges the international community and the Security Council to assume their responsibilities and provide protection to Palestinian residents and their properties.
The Arab League reaffirms that East Jerusalem is part of the occupied Palestinian territory since 1967 and the capital of the State of Palestine. The League emphasizes that measures aimed at altering its legal, historical, and demographic status are null and void, in accordance with international legitimacy and UN Security Council Resolution 478 of 1980.
The Arab League reiterates its support for the Palestinian people's steadfastness and their inalienable national rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with sovereignty over the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The League's statement concludes with a call for the international community to provide protection to the Palestinian people and their properties.
Key points
- The Arab League condemns Israeli demolition of Palestinian building in Jerusalem
- The demolition was carried out with the participation of an Israeli government minister
- The Arab League calls for international action to halt demolitions and forced displacement in East Jerusalem
