RAMALLAH, Sunday, July 21, 2019 (WAFA) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates continues to make efforts with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to speed up the opening of an official investigation into the Israeli crimes of house demolitions, particularly in Sur Baher, an East Jerusalem neighborhood, ethnic cleansing and others, said the ministry in a statement.

The ministry said the Israeli Supreme Court proved once again that the judicial system in Israel is an integral part of the Israeli colonial system and is irrelevant to law and  judiciary, but rather provides cover and protection for the violations of the [Israeli] occupation and its crimes, Including the forced displacement of Palestinian citizens from their places of residence, the demolition of their homes and structures, and the destruction of their livelihoods; among others.

The ministry condemned the Israeli Supreme Court’s decision to demolish 16 buildings comprised of 100 apartments in Sur Baher, warning of the repercussions of such a decision on the children, women, and elderly if implemented.

It said the international community’s silence encourages the Israel occupation to commit more crimes and blatant violations that contradict with Geneva conventions, international and humanitarian laws.

The ministry stressed that it is exerting all efforts with the international community and United Nations organizations and its councils to urge them to pressure the occupation authorities to reverse its decision against the demolition of buildings in Sur Baher.

T.R.