Jerusalem: A Palestinian resident of the town of Sur Baher, southeast of Jerusalem, was forced today to demolish her own home after receiving a demolition order from the Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem citing unpermitted construction as a pretext.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, local sources reported that Subhiya Shqeirat faced the difficult decision of self-demolishing her home to avoid incurring exorbitant costs if the Israeli municipality proceeded with the demolition. She received an administrative order granting her only a few days to comply.
The home, constructed 12 years ago, occupied approximately 55 square meters and housed a family of five. The demolition was ordered due to the lack of a construction permit, a permit that Palestinians in the occupied city rarely receive. This is part of an ongoing policy that aims to limit Palestinian expansion in Jerusalem.
Palestinians in East Jerusalem often find themselves in similar situations, compelled to demolish their homes to escape the financial burden imposed by the Israeli municipality. They argue that the permit system is discriminatory and places unreasonable conditions that are unattainable.
Meanwhile, thousands of housing units continue to be developed for Jewish settlers on appropriated Palestinian lands, with permits issued more readily, highlighting a stark contrast in municipal policy.
