Israel's Record Demolitions Amid Peace Talks

Recent escalations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have seen unprecedented levels of home demolitions by Israeli forces, impacting thousands of Palestinian residents. In the Nur Shams Camp in Tulkarm, over 16 buildings have been demolished as part of the ongoing 'Iron Wall' operation, causing significant displacement. This operation is described as the most destructive since the second intifada, leading to the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since 1967, with humanitarian agencies struggling amidst new anti-UNRWA laws. Meanwhile, in East Jerusalem, the Israeli rights group Ir Amim reported a record 181 homes demolished last year, with continued demolitions even during Ramadan. Rights groups attribute these demolitions to discriminatory policies that prevent Palestinians from obtaining building permits, forcing illegal construction. The demolitions have occurred amidst ongoing peace negotiations involving Israeli, Palestinian, and US officials, seeking to address the Israel-Hamas conflict.