Palestinians Ask Obama Administration to Intervene on House Demolitions

The Obama administration is being asked to pressure Israel into reversing an order to raze almost 90 illegally built homes in the Silwan neighborhood of Jerusalem. City officials condemned the buildings, all of which were constructed or expanded without receiving municipal building permits. Palestinian sources say about 1,500 people are affected. The plea to Washington came from Yassir Abd Rabboh, a senior aide to Mahmoud ‘Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority. Condemnations against Israel over the issue have been registered by the Gulf Cooperation Council, an umbrella group representing the six Gulf states.