JERUSALEM, March 14, 2017 (WAFA) – Bulldozers of the Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem Tuesday demolished a Palestinian-owned building under construction in the town of al-Issawiya, northeast of Jerusalem, according to WAFA correspondent.

Israeli bulldozers, backed by Israeli forces and police, cordoned off the house before proceeding to demolish a 3-storey building under the pretext of being built without an Israeli-issued permit.

The demolished house belongs to Majdi Mustafa.

Israeli forces reportedly prevented residents and journalists’ access to the area.

Home demolitions in East Jerusalem have surged since the beginning of this year with the right wing municipality vowing to demolish all Palestinian buildings built without permit.

While Palestinians in Jerusalem say they are forced to build structures and buildings without a permit as the Israeli municipality doesn’t issue permits for them, Jewish settlers are regularly given the approval of constructing more housing units in Jewish-only settlements.

K.T./T.R.