Israeli police (L) run after Palestinian demonstrators as they try to disperse a protest against a parade marking Jerusalem Day, in front of Damascus Gate outside Jerusalem's Old City May 20, 2012. (Photo: Reuters)
Israeli forces on Monday demolished a home in the east Jerusalem neighbourhood of Al-Tur on the Mount of Olives, police and the house owner said.
The home was razed by bulldozers in the early morning, Sameh Idris told AFP.
"They came at 8:00 am (0500 GMT) with border police and policemen and demolished my house that is 100 square metres," he said.
"They said I don't have the necessary permit and that they sent me several notices, which is not true," Idris charged, saying he was due to marry in two months and was going to live there with his new bride.
"The furniture is scheduled to arrive tomorrow."
Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri confirmed the demolition, saying: "Police forces accompanied and helped the authorities to demolish a house in Al-Tur neighbourhood in east Jerusalem."
Israel often demolishes homes in annexed Arab east Jerusalem and in Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli control, saying the buildings are constructed without the required permits.
The Palestinians say it is virtually impossible for them to get permission to build in east Jerusalem and in Area C, which covers around 60 percent of the West Bank.
Human rights groups and international organisations, including the United Nations, have called on Israel to end such demolitions, saying they cause "extensive human suffering".
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