U.S. officials sharply condemned today the eviction of approximately 50 Arab families from East Jerusalem, calling the move a violation of the Road Map. The Israeli government forcefully removed the residents in order to clear room for Jewish settlers in the city who claimed previous ownership of the area extending to Ottoman rule. The annexation of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood continues a trend by the Israeli government to fortify Jerusalem in the event of a two-state solution. By creating a ring around Jerusalem, the Israeli government all-but guarantees Israeli ownership over the entire holy city.
United Nations Special Coordinator for the Peace Process Robert Serry condemned the evictions, stating,
“These actions are contrary to the provisions of the Geneva Conventions related to occupied territory… They also contravene the united calls of the international community, including the Quartet, which in its recent statement urged the Government of Israel to refrain from provocative actions in East Jerusalem, including house demolitions and evictions.”
Pro-Arab activists rallied outside the homes as settlers began moving their belongings into the vacated homes. The protests resulted in multiple arrests and some injuries due to violent clashes with police.
Photo taken from Ma’an News.