Demolition Orders Threaten Nine Homes in Qalansawe, Including Activist's Residence

Nine homes in the town of Qalansawe are facing demolition orders, with residents given a 21-day deadline before the orders can be executed. Among the properties is the home of political activist Ashraf Abu Ali, whose house has been under threat for over a decade amidst ongoing legal battles and public campaigns.

The recent demolition orders highlight the persistent planning and construction issues plaguing Qalansawe for years. Abu Ali's case, in particular, has seen numerous legal challenges and popular support efforts aimed at preventing the demolition of his home, which has been a recurring issue for more than ten years.

Abu Ali is known for his political and field activism and has reportedly faced arrests and detentions in the past due to his activities and stances. The new orders bring the crisis of threatened homes to the forefront again, affecting four families who now have a limited timeframe to address the situation.

Lawyer Ahmed Ghazawi, head of the Popular Committee in Qalansawe, stated that the demolition orders, which actually affect nine homes in the western area of Tayibe, are not new and stem from cases dating back a decade or more. He explained that the families have pursued legal avenues and sought planning solutions throughout these years.

Ghazawi clarified that these homes are on private land within Tayibe's municipal jurisdiction, though the owners reside in Qalansawe. He emphasized that the land is privately owned and the issue is not related to government land or remote areas. Some families have been waiting for over ten years for structural plans to be approved to allow for legal construction, but these efforts have not yielded a final solution. The lack of alternative housing exacerbates the situation, as many homeowners have nowhere else to go and no public housing is available.

Ghazawi linked the threatened homes to the broader planning and construction crisis in the Arab community, calling for it to be treated as a public issue. The Tayibe municipality has begun efforts to address the situation, working with engineering and legal teams to preserve the homes and owners' rights, while also advancing a broader plan for the western area. Ghazawi believes that the repeated demolition orders, without planning solutions, place dozens of Arab families under constant threat.