UN: East Jerusalem demolition displaces 69, most children; worst since 2009
OCHA says 69 Palestinians, over half children, were displaced after an Israeli-approved demolition in At Tur, the largest single displacement in East Jerusalem since 2009.
The story in focus
OCHA reported that 69 Palestinians, more than half of them children, were displaced after Israeli authorities approved the demolition of their residential building in At Tur, East Jerusalem. It is the highest number displaced in a single demolition in occupied East Jerusalem since UN records began in 2009.
- 69 Palestinians, more than half children, were displaced after an Israeli-approved demolition in At Tur, East Jerusalem.
- It is the highest number displaced in a single demolition in occupied East Jerusalem since UN records began in 2009.
- Israeli authorities have demolished or forced owners to demolish homes of more than 1,800 Palestinians across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem so far this year.
Demolition and displacement
Sixty-nine Palestinians, more than half of them children, were displaced on Tuesday after Israeli authorities approved the demolition of their residential building in the At Tur area of East Jerusalem, according to OCHA. It was the highest number of people displaced in a single demolition in occupied East Jerusalem since UN records began in 2009.
Families told the UN and humanitarian partners that Israeli forces prevented them from retrieving their belongings, which are now buried under rubble. Aid partners assessed the families' immediate needs and provided rent support and other essential items.
So far this year, Israeli authorities have demolished or forced owners to demolish the homes of more than 1,800 Palestinians across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Most were demolished for lacking Israeli-issued building permits, which OCHA says are rarely granted to Palestinians in the affected areas.
Gaza water and sanitation
In Gaza, OCHA said water and sanitation support is being held back by funding shortfalls and restrictions on critical supplies, including engine oil, spare parts and equipment needed to keep vehicles and machines running.
Shortages have reduced water production at two desalination plants in southern Gaza, leading to rationing of drinking water for roughly 500,000 people in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. Partners estimate three in every four families rely on trucked water until infrastructure is restored.
Aid groups deliver 25,000 cubic metres of drinking water daily through 3,200 collection points, but vehicle maintenance and suspended access to some areas due to insecurity constrain operations. OCHA said approvals for restricted items, access to two landfills near Gaza's perimeter and sustained fuel funding are needed.
How many people were displaced in the At Tur demolition, and how does it compare with previous demolitions?
Sixty-nine Palestinians, more than half of them children, were displaced. OCHA says it is the highest number displaced in a single demolition in occupied East Jerusalem since UN records began in 2009.
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