RAMALLAH, West Bank — US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital has started casting its shadow over the city. Israel is expected to act in accordance with this announcement by accelerating its settlement construction and demolishing Jerusalemites’ houses. It could make it even harder for Palestinians to obtain construction permits.
Jamal Amr Abu Tair, from Umm Tuba, southeast of Jerusalem, spent the evening of Nov. 25 demolishing a house he owns and had been renovating for two years. He caved to pressure by the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem and took action to avoid the huge fees ranging between $15,000 and $20,000 that are incurred when the municipality destroys houses built without permits.