UN following reports of forcible transfers of Palestinians from East Jerusalem

The United Nations is closely following reports that four Palestinian legislators have received orders for their forcible transfer from East Jerusalem by the Israeli authorities, a spokesperson for the world body said today.

Israel is reportedly considering revoking the residency permits of Muhammad Abu-Teir, Ahmad Attoun, Muhammad Totah, and Khaled Abu Arafeh, all current or former members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and long-time residents of East Jerusalem.

The Israeli High Court of Justice is scheduled to consider their case on 6 September.

“We are concerned at all measures which may heighten tension in the city and at the potentially broad consequences for Palestinian residents of occupied East Jerusalem,” Richard Miron, spokesperson for UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry, said in a statement issued in Jerusalem.

“We call on Israel to respect its obligations under international law,” he added.

On Tuesday independent UN human rights expert Richard Falk warned that population transfers in or from occupied territory, if carried out, would violate international law, with certain actions potentially amounting to war crimes.

He said it was “particularly shocking” that Israel appeared ready to forcibly transfer the four Palestinian legislators based on their supposed lack of loyalty to the State of Israel.

“Israel, as an occupying Power, is prohibited from transferring civilian persons from East Jerusalem, and is prohibited from forcing Palestinians to swear allegiance or otherwise affirm their loyalty to the State of Israel,” said Mr. Falk, who serves as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights on Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

Last week Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that planned moves by Israel, such as demolishing existing homes and constructing new settlements in the Silwan area of East Jerusalem, are contrary to international law, and to the wishes of Palestinian residents.

“The current moves are unhelpful, coming at a time when the goal must be to build trust to support political negotiations,” his spokesperson said in a statement issued on Thursday.