ASF Housing Rights Report (May 2011)

Enforcing Housing Rights: The Case of Sheikh Jarrah

1. Introduction

The Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem has become a focal point of conflict due to the eviction of Palestinian families. Evictions are rooted in historical claims to land ownership, where Jewish committees assert rights from before 1948 against Palestinian families who have resided there since their displacement during the same period.

2. Context of Intervention

In recent years, over 60 Palestinians have been evicted with at least 500 others at risk. The area has witnessed escalating tensions that stem from competing land claims between Jewish groups and Palestinian refugees who were resettled under the auspices of the UN.

3. Housing Rights Crisis

The housing rights crisis in Sheikh Jarrah reflects broader issues for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, where only 13% of land is available for Palestinian construction. The planning policies have resulted in severe restrictions on housing development, exacerbating overcrowding and poor living conditions among Palestinians.

4. Legal Framework and Evictions

Legal proceedings in Israel favor Jewish claims, often to the detriment of Palestinian rights. The Israeli courts favor historical claims from Jewish groups while systematically rejecting Palestinian claims based on similar historical factors. This has resulted in multiple evictions, such as those of the Al-Kurd and Al-Ghawi families.

5. Eviction Processes and Impact

Evictions are often carried out with little notice and involve significant police presence. Reports indicate that Israeli police employ excessive force during these evictions, which are marked by violence and intimidation from settlers who move into the vacated homes immediately after Palestinians are evicted.

6. Testimonies and Human Impact

First-hand accounts reveal severe psychological and economic impacts on evicted families. The trauma of forced evictions leads to long-term mental health issues, particularly among children. Many families report ongoing harassment and intimidation from both settlers and police.

7. International Law Violations

International law, including the Geneva Conventions, prohibits forced evictions and displacement in occupied territories. The report emphasizes that Israel's actions in Sheikh Jarrah contravene numerous international legal standards, with the Israeli legal system failing to provide just resolution.

8. Recommendations

The report calls for Israel to cease evictions and settlements, comply with international law, and ensure protection for Palestinian families from settler violence. International bodies are urged to hold Israel accountable for these practices while also providing support and security for affected families.