A joint statement issued by the foreign ministries of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and some other European countries has called Israeli construction a hurdle in achieving a “two-state solution”. It also raised concerns over the demolition of Palestinian houses in Sheikh Jarrah

The Salhiya family house was demolished early in the morning of Wednesday by Israeli security forces who also took over 20 people into custody. On Monday, the family members had thwarted a similar attempt by climbing on the roof and threatening to burn it down

Resistance in Palestine acquired new dimensions this year amid the pandemic and unprecedented Israeli offensives in Gaza, forced displacements and increased numbers of settler attacks. The escape of six prisoners, defiance at Sheikh Jarrah and East Jerusalem, a successful national strike across historic Palestine were moments of hope.

The ongoing demolitions of close to 20 Palestinian-owned homes and commercial establishments in the Silwan neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem have put at risk approximately 13 Palestinian families, including 130 men, women and children 

The protests were organized against the illegal confiscation of land in Beita and Huwara villages to build a road for Jewish settlers.

The report, prepared by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Palestinian Territories, says the monthly average of demolition of Palestinian houses by Israeli authorities has increased by 65% in 2021 as compared to the previous year

Israel destroyed Palestinian homes, animal shelters and other commercial structures on Wednesday. Such demolitions are illegal under the fourth Geneva convention

While illegal demolition of Palestinian houses is routinely carried out by Israeli forces with complete impunity, the demolitions carried out on Wednesday are being viewed as being related to the proposed illegal annexation of the Jordan valley