Jerusalem Municipality Demolishes 60 Homes in Silwan Since Oct. 7
The Israeli municipality of Jerusalem demolished a three-story building housing four homes belonging to the Badran family in the Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan, an area in East Jerusalem. This demolition is part of a series of ongoing demolitions in the neighborhood, which residents say have escalated significantly since October 7. Activists fear the entire Al-Bustan neighborhood is targeted for demolition to make way for public facilities and parking lots serving Israeli settlers.
Local activist Fakhri Abu Diab stated that Israeli police surrounded the Al-Bustan area and blocked access roads before municipal bulldozers arrived to carry out the demolition of the Badran family's 500-square-meter building, which had stood for 30 to 35 years. The demolition extended to the building's foundations and surrounding walls, which Abu Diab described as a policy aimed at displacing Palestinian residents.
Abu Diab explained that the Jerusalem municipality claims the buildings were constructed without permits, while residents face significant difficulties in obtaining building licenses. He noted that Al-Bustan comprises approximately 115 homes, with 60 having been demolished since October 7, a rate he called unprecedented. The municipality has reportedly informed the Al-Bustan committee and the residents' lawyer of its intention to demolish all homes in the neighborhood by the end of the year, indicating a clear plan targeting the area.
According to Israeli plans, Al-Bustan is designated for parks, public facilities, and parking lots, with settlers already occupying nearby homes. Residents' attempts to propose alternative plans that include housing and public spaces have been rejected. Abu Diab believes the goal is to reduce the Palestinian presence in Silwan and encourage residents to leave to facilitate settlement projects.
Residents have largely exhausted legal avenues, with court challenges failing to secure alternative housing or building rights. Courts have issued demolition orders and imposed financial fines, leaving families with limited legal options. The Badran family, including a 70-year-old widow and her disabled son, were left homeless after their house was demolished, with no alternative accommodation.
Abu Diab concluded that the ongoing demolitions and threats aim to make the area uninhabitable for its Palestinian residents, gradually pushing them to leave.
