Jerusalem: Israeli forces demolished a house in the Silwan neighborhood, south of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, on Wednesday. Local sources reported that crews from the Israeli municipality manually carried out the demolition of the home belonging to Musa Badran in the Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan. Badran had begun demolishing the structure himself a few days earlier to avoid heavy fines.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, a week prior, Israeli authorities had compelled Badran to demolish his own home in the same neighborhood as part of a broader policy aimed at displacing Palestinians and Judaizing Jerusalem neighborhoods. The area faces continuous pressure from Israeli authorities, who frequently issue demolition orders under the pretext of building without a permit. Palestinians in Jerusalem encounter significant challenges in obtaining building permits within occupied Jerusalem.
The demolition of Badran's house is part of a larger trend, with Israeli authorities increasing demolitions in Jerusalem. Reports indicate that by the end of May, 93 buildings, including 53 homes, have been demolished in the city. Additionally, over 623 homes and structures have been destroyed in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, since the start of the year, reflecting a campaign aimed at displacing Palestinians and consolidating Israeli control.
The ongoing demolitions in the al-Bustan neighborhood contribute to the policy of ethnic cleansing and apply pressure on Palestinian residents, intensifying their daily struggles and exacerbating the housing crisis in the city.
