JERUSALEM, January 20, 2016 (WAFA) – Israeli bulldozers Wednesday demolished a Palestinian house in Beit Hanina neighborhood, north of Jerusalem, said the homeowner.
Israeli police and municipal crews with bulldozers raided Beit Hanina, where they proceeded to demolish a house belonging to Hiba Abu ‘Asab purportedly for being built without a proper construction permit license.
WAFA reported on Hiba saying the two-bedroom house occupied a 50-mter-square area and that her family was planning to move in next week. Her children are aged between 8 and 14 years.
She said bulldozers demolished the house after destroying the main gate and surrounding wall without any prior notice.
This was the second house owned by a Palestinian family to be demolished in Jerusalem within less than 24 hours by Israel.
Wednesday morning, bulldozers demolished a house under construction, which belongs to Samer Nassar in the Silwan neighborhood of Wadi Qaddum, citing unlicensed building as a pretext.
The 300-square-meter-sized house was built three months ago at a cost of INS180,000 (over $35,000).
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator James Rawley argued the demolitions violate international law. “Demolitions that result in forced evictions and displacement run counter to Israel’s obligations under international law and create unnecessary suffering and tension,” he said. “They must stop immediately.”
OCHA argued the planning policies applied by Israel in Area C and East Jerusalem discriminate against Palestinians, “making it extremely difficult for them to obtain building permits.”
“As a result, many Palestinians build without permits to meet their housing needs and risk having their structures demolished. Palestinians must have the opportunity to participate in a fair and equitable planning system that ensures their needs are met,” it added.
K.F/M.H
