Plight of the Unpeople: Palestinians angry at demolition orders

2009-03-01

Palestinians angry at demolition orders

Palestinian anger has been inflamed by a new land dispute in East Jerusalem.

Palestinians have gone on strike in protest at what they see as Israel's plans to force hundreds of Arabs from the area by demolishing Arab homes.

Schools and shops are closed in East Jerusalem and throughout the West Bank after the strike was called when Israeli officials marked for demolition several homes in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, near Jerusalem's Old City.

Israel has stated the homes to be demolished were built illegally.

In turn, Palestinians have claimed the local municipality refuses to grant them building permits.

Israel sees Jerusalem as its eternal capital while Palestinians see it as the capital of their future state.

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