Despite pandemic, East Jerusalem on track for record number of home demolitions

"Rights groups argue that Palestinians seeking to build their homes legally face a discriminatory system which leaves them without any realistic option except illegal construction.According to Ir Amim, over 21,000 housing units were advanced in detailed outline plans in Jerusalem in 2019, but less than 8 percent were in Palestinian neighborhoods, even though Palestinians make up 38% of the capital’s population. Outline plans are a prerequisite for obtaining permits for legal construction.
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Ir Amim researcher Aviv Tatarsky said: “The state has already recognized that this is not an appropriate time to demolish people’s homes. As to why they decided on one policy in March and another now, that is a question for the state.”
The Jerusalem municipality declined to comment on whether there had been a change in policy.
East Jerusalem’s economy has also been heavily damaged by the pandemic. Most East Jerusalemites work in tourism or in the service industry, and both sectors have taken serious losses.
“In the middle of an economic crisis, to lose your house is obviously a double blow,” Tatarsky said."