JERUSALEM, May 10, 2026 (WAFA) – The Catholic Center for Human Rights, St. Yves, successfully obtained an urgent order from the Israeli Supreme Court to temporarily freeze the demolition of approximately 50 shops at the entrance to the town of Al-Eizariya. This followed intensive legal action over the past Friday and Saturday.

The decision came after lawyers Nusrat Dakour and Haitham Khatib, representing St. Yves Center, filed an urgent petition with the Supreme Court in an attempt to halt the demolitions, which were scheduled to take place Sunday morning.

Last Wednesday, the shop owners received verbal notices to vacate their premises in preparation for demolition. This prompted many to remove their merchandise amidst a state of anxiety and anticipation, especially since most of the shops had not received prior legal demolition orders, while some were pursuing their cases through private lawyers.

The St. Yves Center emphasized that the petition raises fundamental legal questions about the legal basis upon which the occupation authorities rely to carry out the demolitions. It noted that any claims of lack of permits necessitate, according to Jordanian law applicable in the area, the issuance of official notices and granting shop owners the opportunity to submit permit applications and legal objections.

The center added that the petition also aims to give shop owners a genuine opportunity to challenge the plan related to what is known as "Fabric of Life Street," the construction and expansion of which is believed to be the cause of the demolition orders.

St. Yves stressed that its legal teams have been working around the clock, driven by the belief that citizens should not be left alone to face the escalating demolition policies in Area C of the West Bank. It expressed hope that the freeze decision will be a first step enabling citizens to defend their legal and human rights through available legal and advocacy channels.

K.T