JERUSALEM / PNN /
Israeli authorities have forced several Palestinian families in occupied East Jerusalem to demolish their own homes in recent days, in what local officials describe as part of a broader policy targeting Palestinian presence in the city.
According to the Jerusalem Governorate, Israeli authorities on Sunday compelled Palestinian resident Mahmoud al-Tawil to demolish his home in the al-Shiyah area of Silwan, under the pretext of building without a permit.
The house, built 10 years ago and measuring around 120 square metres, was home to al-Tawil, his wife and their four children. The family had previously been fined approximately 120,000 shekels (about $40,000) by the Israeli municipality in connection with the structure.
Officials said the demolition order was issued under strict conditions, leaving the homeowner with little choice but to carry it out himself to avoid further fines and the high costs of demolition by municipal bulldozers.
A day earlier, authorities forced another resident, Mohammed Shehda Qweider, to demolish his home in the al-Bustan neighbourhood of Silwan. The house, built in 2012 and حوالي 100 square metres in size, sheltered six children and their parents. The family had been fined around 60,000 shekels, with part of the amount still outstanding.
On the same day, three brothers from the al-Tahan family were also compelled to demolish their homes in the Ras al-Amud area of Silwan under similar threats of heavy fines and forced demolition.
Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem are frequently forced to carry out “self-demolitions” to avoid steeper financial penalties imposed by Israeli authorities. The Jerusalem Governorate said this policy forms part of a systematic approach aimed at restricting Palestinian construction and pressuring residents, particularly in neighbourhoods surrounding the Old City and key religious sites.
Local officials and rights groups say the practice contributes to the displacement of Palestinian families and limits their ability to expand housing in the city.
