The United Nations on May 1 urged Israel to freeze demolitions of Palestinian houses in Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem), reflecting the growing international concerns over Israeli policies in the holy city. “Israeli authorities should immediately freeze all pending demolition orders and undertake planning that will address the Palestinian housing crisis in East Jerusalem,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories said in a special report. Israeli authorities demolish scores of Palestinian houses in Al-Quds every year on claims of lacking construction permits.
“According to official statistics, between 2000 and 2008 alone, the Israeli authorities demolished more than 670 Palestinian-owned structures in East Jerusalem due to lack of permit. “In 2009, OCHA has recorded the demolition of 19 Palestinian-owned structures in East Jerusalem, including 11 inhabited residential structures.” The UN report said hundreds of Palestinian houses in the holy city are facing the risk of mass demolitions by Israeli authorities. “Some 60,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem are at risk of having their homes demolished by the Israeli authorities.” The report noted that Palestinian children are also bearing the brunt of the Israeli actions. “Children, who represent over 50 percent of the Palestinian population, are particularly affected by the displacement of their families. In the immediate aftermath of demolitions, children often face gaps in education and limited access to basic services. Israel must ensure that the basic needs of the Palestinian population of the occupied territory are met.”