A wave of demolitions carried out by Israeli authorities in East Jerusalem has triggered widespread anger among Palestinian residents, with clashes reported in several neighbourhoods on Wednesday. The operations, which targeted structures deemed illegal under Israeli law, have intensified a long-running dispute over land rights and sovereignty in the contested city.
According to official figures, Israeli municipal workers, accompanied by police, demolished at least a dozen buildings in the Silwan and Sur Baher districts. The structures included homes, a mosque, and a school, leaving more than 50 families homeless. The Israeli authorities stated that the buildings were constructed without permits, a claim rejected by Palestinian leaders who argue that the permit system is designed to restrict Palestinian development.
Eyewitnesses reported that residents attempted to block bulldozers, leading to confrontations with security forces. Palestinian medics said at least 15 people were injured, including three who sustained gunshot wounds. The Israeli police confirmed that officers used crowd dispersal measures, including rubber bullets and stun grenades, after objects were thrown at them.
The demolitions have drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian officials, who described them as part of Israel's systematic campaign to weaken Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said in a statement that the actions constituted a 'crime against humanity' and called for international intervention.
International reactions have been subdued, with the United Nations expressing 'serious concern' while stopping short of condemning Israel. A spokesperson for the UN secretary-general urged both sides to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, called for restraint but did not comment on the legality of the demolitions. The European Union said it was monitoring the situation and reiterated its position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory.
Analysts note that the surge in demolitions coincides with political instability in Israel, where a fragile coalition government faces internal divisions over Palestinian issues. Some observers suggest that the crackdown is aimed at appeasing right-wing constituents ahead of a potential no-confidence vote.
For Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the demolitions are part of a broader pattern of dispossession. International human rights groups have long documented discriminatory housing policies that favour Jewish settlers. Over 200,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.
Local activists say the demolitions are intended to clear land for new settlements, a claim that Israeli officials deny. Mustafa al-Araj, a resident of Silwan whose home was destroyed, said: 'They want us to leave. But we will stay. This is our land.'
The situation remains volatile, with Palestinian factions calling for a day of rage on Friday. The Israeli military has announced the deployment of additional troops in and around the city. Further clashes are expected as both sides prepare for a protracted standoff.
