Palestinians face spike in Israeli demolitions in East Jerusalem

In recent months, East Jerusalem has witnessed a significant escalation in the demolition of Palestinian homes by Israeli authorities, with human rights organizations reporting that the incidence of such demolitions has nearly doubled since October 7, 2023. This development marks a profound increase in the longstanding conflict over land and sovereignty in the area, deeply impacting the lives and livelihoods of the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem. East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move not recognized by most of the international community, has been a focal point of conflict and tension between Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, while Israel considers the entire city its undivided capital. This fundamental disagreement has fueled decades of conflict and contributed to the complex and often contentious issue of housing and construction in the area. The sharp increase in demolitions has been attributed by the Israeli authorities to the enforcement of building regulations and the removal of structures built without proper permits. However, Palestinians and human rights groups argue that obtaining building permits is an almost insurmountable challenge for the Palestinian residents due to the complex, restrictive, and often discriminatory nature of the planning and permit regime administered by Israeli authorities in East Jerusalem. This has left many Palestinians with little choice but to build illegally, risking demolition and displacement. The ramifications of these demolitions on Palestinian families are profound and multifaceted. Firstly, there is the immediate loss of one's home, often built with