Jerusalem:Israeli forces demolished a seven-apartment building housing 35 Palestinians near the Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. The demolition took place on Wednesday, with reports of homeowners being beaten and a vehicle being damaged in the area, as stated by the Jerusalem Governorate.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Palestinian governorate reported that Israeli bulldozers carried out the demolition in the Al-Wad area near a quarry adjacent to Qalandia camp, citing construction without a permit as the reason. The building housed 35 Palestinians, who were rendered homeless as a result of the demolition.
The official Palestinian news agency WAFA indicated that the demolished apartments belonged to the Abu Laba family. The governorate further mentioned that during the demolition, Israeli forces assaulted the homeowners and caused damage to a vehicle. However, there was no immediate information on any injuries resulting from these actions.
The demolition is part of broader Israeli restrictions on issuing building permits to Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem. Human Rights Watch highlighted in June that obtaining building permits in East Jerusalem and areas of the occupied West Bank under Israeli control is nearly impossible for Palestinians.
Additionally, a report by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Qalandia, citing the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, noted that Israeli authorities conducted 341 demolition operations in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the first half of 2026. These demolitions impacted 740 Palestinian structures, affecting housing units, commercial and agricultural facilities, and other sources of livelihood. The report also mentioned that 254 demolition notices were issued during the same period, including 34 in the Jerusalem Governorate.
The ongoing demolitions are part of an escalation in Israeli measures targeting Palestinians and their properties across the occupied West Bank, raising concerns about displacement and loss of livelihoods.