NGO: Increase in Israeli demolitions since Trump took power

Israel has increased house demolitions following US President Donald Trump’s inauguration, data collected by an Israeli NGO has revealed.

Ir Amim reported that 40 housing units were dimensioned in occupied East Jerusalem in January and February this year, with a rise being noted following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. The increase has been attributed to the Israel’s government removal of restrictions on demolitions imposed during the administration of former US President Barack Obama.

Throughout 2016, a total of 203 civilian structures were demolished in East Jerusalem, including 123 housing units, storerooms, shops and stables, the report revealed.

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The majority of the Palestinian owners of these structures applied to the municipality for building permits but have not had the approvals necessary.

“The Israeli government does not permit significant legal building plans in Palestinian neighbourhoods and presents the Palestinian residents with a cruel choice: to be expelled from their city or to build without a permit and take the risk of demolition and a monetary fine,” said Aviv Tatarsky, a researcher for Ir Amim.

Ir Amim quoted Salah Turk, whose home was demolished without a notice last week in the village of al-Isawiyah, as saying:

“I made coffee and something for the children to eat, then suddenly I see that the house is full of soldiers who told me we have 10 minutes to leave the house and take only what I can in my hands.”

Turk could not pick up anything of substance and now most of his family’s belongings are under the rubble. He moved with his wife and nine children to live in a tin shack that he set up close to his demolished home, according to the report.

“I intend to build a tent on my land and live there,” he said.