The High Court of Justice on Thursday ordered the demolition of homes belonging to the families of the three terrorists who carried out the attack near Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City that killed Border Police Staff Sgt. Hadas Malka, 23, on June 16. The High Court justices unanimously denied an appeal by the terrorists relatives against the demolition. Family members had argued the demolition of their homes would constitute a violation of the rights of innocent people. The court further ruled that the demolition must be executed by Aug. 9. David Malka, Hadas' father, responded to the news by saying, "All of the circles connected to the attack must be punished. It won't bring back Hadas, but it's important to use all the legal means [available] to create deterrence in order to prevent further attacks." Malka was fatally stabbed when a three-man terrorist cell staged two shooting and stabbing attacks near Damascus Gate in the Old City. She died in hospital shortly after the attack. Another policeman sustained minor shrapnel injuries.
The three terrorists, named as Hamas operative Adel Ankoush, 18 and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine operatives Osama Ata, 19, and Baraa Ata, 18, were killed by security forces.
