In January 2015, as in every year, HaMoked submitted to the Ministry of Interior an
application under the Freedom of Information Law for information on revocations of residency status of East Jerusalem permanent residents for the year 2014. The application was sent as part of HaMoked's on-going campaign to stop Israel's
quiet deportation policy implemented against East Jerusalem residents.
According to the
partial data supplied by the interior ministry, in 2014, Israel revoked the residency of 107 East Jerusalem Palestinians, including 56 women and 12 minors. HaMoked is waiting for the ministry to supply the number East Jerusalem Palestinians whose residency status was "reinstated" by Israel during 2014.
According to the
interior ministry's figures supplied to HaMoked over the years, between 1967 and 2014, Israel has revoked the status of 14,416 Palestinians from East Jerusalem.
HaMoked again recalls that the position of East Jerusalem residents is unlike that of any other permanent resident – the area in question was annexed by Israel and its inhabitants were compelled to become permanent residents of Israel. Their status must be immune from expiry. HaMoked reiterates its position that in the case of East Jerusalem residents – for whom this piece of land is home – it must be stipulated that their residency status in Israel cannot expire nor be revoked, even following a lengthy stay abroad or the acquisition of status in another country.
