On Friday, a Palestinian citizen was forced to demolish his own home in Qalandia village, north of occupied Jerusalem, leaving seven people without shelter.
Media sources reported that the citizen Raafat Joudah Awadallah was compelled to knock down his home in Qalandia village, after unsuccessful attempts to appeal the demolition order.
WAFA correspondent reported that Awadallah was compelled to demolish his family home, which provided shelter for seven family members.
Occupation forces notified Awadallah on Wednesday of the demolition order, and gave him a deadline of 72 hours to carry out the demolition.
If Awadallah failed to demolish his house within the time frame, occupation authorities would impose excessive fines if they carry out the demolition.
Local journalist Mahmoud Awadallah reported that the home is “one of seven houses in the area that the occupation authorities have notified of demolition, which prompted a number of their owners to carry out self-demolition to avoid the exorbitant penalties and fines.”
In a statement, the European Union (EU) representative, along with the heads of EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah drew attention to Israel’s actions against Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, including the forced eviction, demolition, and confiscation of homes.
“The situation for Palestinians in East Jerusalem remains dire. In particular the Silwan area has witnessed a dramatic escalation of forced evictions and demolitions.”
The statement proclaimed the European Union’s firm objection to Israel’s settlement policy and expansion efforts in the occupied Palestinian territories, all of which are illegal under International Law.
“Israeli domestic laws do not exempt Israel from meeting its obligations to administer the occupied territory in a manner that provides for and protects the local population.”
