Israeli forces expand demolition campaign in East Jerusalem area, citing illegal construction

Israeli police have continued a large-scale demolition campaign in the Palestinian town of Kafr Aqab, located just north of occupied East Jerusalem, as part of an operation dubbed “Capital Shield.” In a statement released Tuesday, police said the operation aims to strengthen Israeli “sovereignty in the seam zone” and enhance public security. Kafr Aqab lies within Israel’s unilaterally drawn municipal boundaries of Jerusalem but is separated from the city by the separation wall and the Qalandiya checkpoint.

Operation Details and Claims

Police stated that engineering equipment was used to open a section of the separation wall to allow additional troops and vehicles into the area surrounding the town. They claimed the targeted structures were built without permits and alleged that “dozens of buildings” slated for demolition pose a security threat. The operation is expected to continue in the coming days without a specified end date.

Impact on Palestinian Residents

According to the Jerusalem Governorate, Israeli forces raided residential buildings on Monday, forcibly evacuating occupants and deploying soldiers and snipers on rooftops. Forces reportedly used tear gas, stun grenades, live ammunition, and rubber bullets during the operation. Demolitions along Airport Road occurred during morning peak hours, disrupting students and workers amid heavy military deployment and road closures. Areas near the Qalandiya refugee camp have faced repeated Israeli incursions, severely affecting daily Palestinian life.

Background and International Stance

East Jerusalem is encircled by a concrete separation wall largely built on West Bank land. Israel states the wall is for security, while Palestinians and the UN view it as a land annexation tool. In 2004, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion declaring the wall illegal under international law. Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, attacks and demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have intensified, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed. Palestinians warn such actions aim to formalize annexation and undermine the prospect of a two-state solution.