AL-QUDS
Israeli bulldozers backed by army troops on Wednesday demolished two makeshift homes in the Beit Hanina neighborhood of Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) under the pretext that they were built illegally.
"The Israeli bulldozers demolished the two structures early this morning without any warning," owner Mohamed Samara told Anadolu Agency.
"Each house covers an area of 40 square meters and houses seven people," he added.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Israeli authorities demolished more than 500 Palestinian homes in the West Bank and Al-Quds last year alone.
Israeli municipal authorities impose tight restrictions on the building and renovation of Palestinian homes in Al-Quds.
Sacred to both Muslims and Jews, Al-Quds is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which for Muslims represents the world's third holiest site.
Jews refer to the area as the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two prominent Jewish temples in ancient times.
Palestinians accuse Israel of waging an aggressive campaign to "Judaize" the holy city with the aim of effacing its Arab and Islamic identity.
By Anees Barghouthy
englishnews@aa.com.tr
