Palestinians say Israel has demolished hundreds of homes near Jerusalem, displacing hundreds of Palestinians as new Jewish settlements are greenlit in the West Bank. In total, more than 460 buildings owned by Palestinians have come down this year, with the majority being in the East Jerusalem area. Israeli authorities have been involved in the demolitions, with some instances where the owners were forced to tear down their own buildings.

According to Hadeel Al-Shalchi, an NPR correspondent based in Tel Aviv, the demolitions have been ongoing for months, with a significant spike in recent weeks. "The situation on the ground is dire," Al-Shalchi said. "Families are being left without homes, and the community is feeling the impact of these demolitions." Al-Shalchi attributed the demolitions to Israel's efforts to expand its settlements in the West Bank.

East Jerusalem is a predominantly Palestinian area that Israel captured after a 1967 war. Palestinians envision the area as the capital of a future Palestinian state. The demolitions have been a long-standing issue, with over 1,000 buildings being demolished since 2008. However, the current rate of demolitions has increased significantly, with more than 460 buildings being demolished this year alone.

The demolitions have been met with widespread criticism from the international community, with many labeling them as a form of collective punishment. "These demolitions are a clear example of Israel's disregard for international law and the rights of the Palestinian people," said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority. "We urge the international community to take action to stop these demolitions and hold Israel accountable for its actions."

The demolitions have also had a significant impact on the local community, with many families being left without homes. "I have been living in this neighborhood for over 20 years, and I have never seen anything like this," said a local resident. "The demolitions are not just destroying homes, they are destroying our community."

The current situation is uncertain, with no clear indication of when the demolitions will stop. The Israeli government has stated that the demolitions are necessary to maintain public safety and order, but many have disputed this claim. The international community is expected to continue to pressure Israel to stop the demolitions and find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the demolitions have had a devastating impact on the Palestinian community in East Jerusalem. The international community must continue to pressure Israel to stop the demolitions and find a peaceful solution to the conflict.