Israel Issues Demolition Orders Against 20 Stores In North Jerusalem

21 Nov

6:05 AM

The Israeli Authorities issued, on Tuesday evening, demolition orders targeting twenty stores in Shu’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem.

Dozens of soldiers, undercover forces and members of “City Council” in occupied Jerusalem, invaded the refugee camp, and handed the orders, informing the Palestinians that they have twelve hours to carry out the demolitions.

Store owners said their shops were built more than ten years ago, and added that Israel is targeting the only source of livelihood to them and their families.

Dozens of Palestinians protested the invasion into the refugee camp, while the soldiers fired gas bombs, rubber-coated steel bullets and concussion grenades.

The demolition of homes and property is an illegal act of collective punishment. This is in addition to the fact that refugee camps are supposed to be under United Nations supervision and administration; therefore, attacks against them do not only target the civilians, who are supposed to be protected under International Law, but also against the UN itself and the refugee camps it serves.