The Hamas Movement has condemned the participation of far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir in the demolition of a Palestinian residential building in occupied Jerusalem.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Hamas said Ben Gvir’s personal presence at the demolition site was a stark reflection of what it described as Israel’s policy of “state-sponsored terrorism” and an escalating campaign aimed at uprooting Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem.

The movement said the demolition of Palestinian homes was part of a broader policy of displacement and attempts to alter the character and demographic makeup of occupied Jerusalem.

Hamas accused Israeli politicians of competing to demonstrate their hard-line credentials at the expense of Palestinian families, their homes and their land.

The movement said the demolition represented another assault on Palestinian rights in Jerusalem, where it said residents face growing pressure through home demolitions, displacement and restrictions on construction.

Ben Gvir personally oversaw the demolition of a residential building in the al-Tur neighborhood of occupied Jerusalem on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources. The demolition displaced around 70 Palestinian residents.

Hamas called on the international community to take immediate action to halt the demolition of Palestinian homes and what it described as Israel’s systematic displacement of Palestinian residents from Jerusalem.

The movement urged international bodies to move beyond statements of concern and take concrete measures to hold Israeli officials accountable for policies targeting Palestinian civilians and their homes.

The demolition comes amid continued Israeli efforts to expand control over occupied East Jerusalem, while Palestinians and rights groups have repeatedly warned that demolitions and restrictions on Palestinian construction are contributing to the displacement of Palestinian communities.

For Palestinians, Jerusalem remains the heart of their national and religious identity. They have long accused Israel of pursuing policies designed to entrench its control over the occupied city and drive Palestinian residents from their homes.

Hamas said the international community must act to protect Palestinian residents and prevent further forced displacement, stressing that Palestinians should be allowed to remain on their land and live in their homes with dignity and security. (ILKHA)