WASHINGTON: The United States on Wednesday criticized Israel for demolishing a Palestinian activist’s home in east Jerusalem, saying its ally was damaging its own position.
The unusually strong US condemnation of Israel’s actions came hours after Fakhri Abu Diab, an anti-demolition campaigner, said dozens of Israeli workers had torn down his 38-year-old home near the Old City.
“Ten of us were living here — my wife, my three children and five members of the extended family. Now we’re literally on the street, asking neighbours and passers-by to help us,” Abu Diab told media in Jerusalem.
“We have become homeless,” he added.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in Washington that the United States condemned the demolition and would encourage Israel not to target other homes.
He was an outspoken community leader, including against demolition, and now his family has been displaced, Miller said of Abu Diab.
These actions are hindering efforts to bring about lasting and lasting peace and security that would benefit not only the Palestinians but also the Israelis, he told media.
“They damage Israel’s standing in the world, and they make it ultimately more difficult for us to accomplish all of the things we are trying to accomplish that would ultimately be in the interests of the Israeli people,” he said further.
He noted that part of the building dates back to before 1967, when Israel captured East Jerusalem – home to holy sites for Muslims, Jews and Christians – in the Six-Day War. Israel later annexed East Jerusalem, which was not recognized by most of the international community.
Abu Diab responded to the US condemnation: “I thank them, but they should have put pressure on the Israelis in advance to prevent the demolition of my house.”
