'Unacceptable evictions in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem'
News story | Date: 20/01/2022 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘The eviction of the Salihiya family from their home in Sheikh Jarrah in occupied East Jerusalem in the early hours of Wednesday 19 January is unacceptable,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
Israeli authorities demolished the residence after having arrested family members and others who were present. This is the first eviction to be carried out in the tense neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah since 2017.
‘The rights of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem must be respected. Although many people are angry, I call on everybody to avoid any new flare-up of violence,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.
The Foreign Minister raised the eviction when she chaired a meeting in the UN Security Council on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Security Council has previously condemned all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
The Norwegian authorities have been following the worrying developments in East Jerusalem closely.
‘We support civil society organisations that, among other things, work to protect the Palestinian population’s rights, provide legal assistance against demolition decisions and protect the right of Palestinians to express themselves about the situation,’ the Foreign Minister said.
Norway considers the Israeli settlements in occupied territory, including in East Jerusalem, to be illegal under international law.