COUNCIL DIVIDED: The latest on council's leadership crisis and divisions since sanctions were placed on the mayor.

Israeli crews demolish Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem

Jul 21, 2019 | 11:17 PM

JERUSALEM — Israeli work crews have begun demolishing dozens of Palestinian homes in an east Jerusalem neighbourhood.

Monday’s demolitions cap a years-long legal battle over the buildings, which straddle the city and the occupied West Bank.

Israel says the buildings were built illegally too close to its West Bank separation barrier. Residents say they have nowhere to build and getting permits to build homes legally is impossible.

The demolitions, which began overnight, have already destroyed several of the more than 20 apartments in the buildings.