RAMALLAH, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Israeli police shot and killed an elderly Palestinian woman during a raid in East Jerusalem on Wednesday, according to Palestinian authorities, as tensions in the region remained high amid ongoing security operations and demolitions.
The Palestinian Authority's Jerusalem Governorate said in a statement that 66-year-old Zahia al-Obeidiyeh died after being shot in the head by Israeli forces during a raid on the Shuafat refugee camp at dawn. Israeli forces reportedly stormed the camp, searched homes, and used live ammunition and tear gas, the statement said.
Al-Obeidiyeh's husband was later summoned for questioning by Israeli authorities, according to the governorate.
Israeli police said they were investigating the circumstances of the woman's death. Citing police sources, Israeli media outlet Times of Israel reported that al-Obeidiyeh was brought to the Shuafat checkpoint with critical injuries.
In a separate incident, Israeli authorities demolished a two-story residential building in the town of Hizma, northeast of Jerusalem, the governorate said. The building, which had housed a Palestinian family for years, was torn down without prior notice, it said.
It added that since Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli authorities have demolished at least 623 Palestinian-owned structures in Jerusalem, including homes and businesses. The governorate condemned the demolitions as "a crime of forced displacement" and urged the international community to take action.
Israeli authorities did not immediately comment on the demolition, though Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported the structure was removed due to a lack of a building permit.
Israel captured the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the 1967 Six-Day War. East Jerusalem is regarded under international law as occupied Palestinian territory, and Israel's annexation of the area is not internationally recognized. ■
