Israeli authorities demolished seven Palestinian homes in the Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday, following a court ruling declaring the structures illegal. Jerusalem’s Israeli-controlled city hall confirmed the demolitions, which were carried out with security forces present.
Among those affected, activist Fakhri Abu Diab reported that his own home, previously demolished earlier in the year, was destroyed again, along with his son’s house and several others belonging to the Al-Ruwaidi family. He stated that at least 40 people, including children, were left homeless as a result of the demolitions.
Israeli bulldozers were seen demolishing the homes under heavy police surveillance. City officials argued that the demolitions were carried out to enforce zoning laws, with the area being designated for green space. However, Palestinian residents and activists believe the true goal is to make way for Israeli settler expansion, linking isolated settler pockets in Silwan with West Jerusalem.
Rights group Ir Amim condemned the demolitions as part of an ongoing effort to alter the demographic makeup of Jerusalem and displace Palestinian communities. They estimate that up to 115 homes, housing around 1,500 people, are at risk in Silwan due to these actions.
The demolitions come amid rising tensions in the region, with Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem remaining unrecognized by the international community. While the municipality cited legal orders, critics argue that Israel is exploiting global attention on the Gaza and Lebanon wars to carry out these controversial actions.