The ensuing protests developed into a sustained popular uprising known as the Second or Al Aqsa Intifada.
The money was given personally by Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commander Gen.
Some of the new Arab residents paid rent, but their leases had expired.
Analysts say the postponement contributed towards the current crisis, and encouraged Hamas to resort to military confrontation rather than diplomatic tactics.
Israeli police say 17 of its officers are wounded.
The building received more attention than usual because it housed international media outlets like Al-Jazeera and the Associated Press.