On October 6, 2026, Israeli authorities demolished a five-story residential building in the Al-Tur neighborhood of East Jerusalem, home to approximately 70 Palestinians. The demolition was carried out under the pretext of the building being constructed without a permit. The operation was overseen by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who stated that the building was "illegal."
The demolition process began early in the morning, with Israeli police forces and three bulldozers arriving at the scene. Residents were given a short notice to evacuate the building. One resident, Haneen Haribate, described the experience as "five minutes of terror," with armed police officers pointing their guns at her and her family. She was allowed to take only essential items, such as medication, money, and her personal ID.
The Palestinian Authority's Jerusalem Governorate condemned the demolition, stating that it was a "serious escalation" in Israel's policy of house demolitions and forced displacement. The governorate also accused Ben-Gvir of using the issue of Jerusalem for "electoral propaganda." The building's residents had received a demolition notice the previous day but were unaware of the exact timing of the operation.
After the demolition, residents were left to gather their belongings from the rubble. Haribate, a teacher, was seen collecting clothes, school certificates, and other essential items for her family. The demolition has left many residents uncertain about their future, with Haribate stating that they would have to search for alternative accommodation.
The Israeli occupation authorities regularly carry out demolition operations in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, citing the lack of building permits. However, Palestinians in East Jerusalem face significant challenges in obtaining building permits from the Israeli municipality. The demolition has further exacerbated the housing crisis in East Jerusalem, where over 360,000 Palestinians and 230,000 Israelis reside.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict revolves around the status of Jerusalem, with Palestinians claiming East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state and Israel considering the entire city as its unified capital. The international community does not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem, which was occupied in 1967.
The demolition has sparked concerns about the humanitarian situation in East Jerusalem, with many residents facing difficulties in accessing basic services, including housing. The incident has also raised questions about the Israeli government's policies in East Jerusalem and their impact on the local Palestinian population.
Key points
- The demolition of the residential building in East Jerusalem has left around 70 Palestinians displaced and has sparked concerns about the humanitarian situation in the area.
