Jerusalem: Travel Ban and Home Demolitions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a travel ban on a Palestinian woman from Jerusalem while ongoing efforts to relocate residents from the Al-Aqsa Mosque are being reported alongside home demolitions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made the decision to impose a travel ban on a Palestinian woman, Henadi Al-Halwani, from Jerusalem, citing security concerns. The ban, effective immediately, prevents her from leaving Palestine until March 2. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in orders expelling Jerusalem residents from the Al-Aqsa Mosque, illustrating ongoing tensions in the region.
In a related incident, Jerusalem's municipal authorities have compelled a Palestinian resident, Raed Abdul Aziz Dabash, to demolish his own home and that of his son in the neighborhood of Sur Baher, under the pretext that they were built without proper permits. This practice is not uncommon, as many Palestinian homeowners are faced with the threat of significant fines if municipal equipment is used for demolition. The two homes, covering an area of approximately 90 square meters and housing eight individuals, were constructed in 2014 and are now at risk due to these enforcement actions.
The increasing frequency of home demolitions and travel restrictions highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians in East Jerusalem, where such actions are perceived as part of a broader strategy to undermine their presence and community. The situation continues to raise international concern regarding human rights and the legitimacy of such government measures under international law, reflecting the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.