JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli police evicted two Palestinian families from homes in eastern Jerusalem to clear the way for Jews to move in.
Sunday’s evacuation took place in the neighborhood of Sheik Jarrah, where tension has been rising over plans to build 20 new apartments for Jewish families. Israel’s Supreme Court decided last week that the homes belong to Jews, who have title deeds to the properties.
Some 53 Palestinians, including 19 children, were removed from the homes, according to reports.
Protesters condemned the evictions, which come as the United States, other foreign governments and international organizations call on Israel to stop building in areas beyond Israel’s pre-1967 borders.
Jewish families began moving in shortly after the evictions, according to reports.
