URGENT UPDATE: The Israeli Supreme Court has just upheld eviction orders affecting Palestinian families in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Batn al-Hawa. This decision, announced on October 16, 2023, impacts two apartments belonging to the family of Abdel Fattah al-Rajabi, currently housing 16 residents, and 11 apartments belonging to Yaqoub and Nidal al-Rajabi, which are home to over 100 individuals.
The ruling is part of a broader legal battle involving four appeals filed by local residents. While the court has decided on two cases, the outcomes of the remaining appeals, including claims related to four apartments with around 20 residents and another involving seven apartments with approximately 50 residents, are still pending.
The eviction proceedings are being supported by Ateret Cohanim, an organization known for promoting Jewish settlement in East Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Governorate has condemned these actions, stating they violate international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute. Officials assert that these evictions are part of a systematic policy of forced displacement, with around 16 families having been forcibly removed from Batn al-Hawa since 2015.
Residents and activists are expressing outrage over the court’s decision, which they believe exacerbates tensions in an already volatile region. The emotional toll on families facing eviction cannot be overstated, as many have lived in these homes for generations.
As the situation develops, observers are watching closely to see how the remaining appeals will unfold. The ongoing legal battles and international responses are likely to shape the future of the neighborhood and the lives of its residents.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation in East Jerusalem.
