JERUSALEM: The all-Israeli municipality of Jerusalem today compelled a Palestinian resident of Silwan neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem to self-demolish his own house which is under construction.
The resident, Samir Al-Halawani, informed WAFA that Israeli occupation authorities forced him to self-demolish his 105-square-meter house in the Ras Al-Amoud district in Silwan.
He said the occupation authorities had notified him of the demolition decision three months ago, pressuring him to undertake the demolition himself to avoid exorbitant costs if carried out by Israeli bulldozers.
Of note, Israeli occupation authorities frequently coerce Palestinian residents, particularly in occupied Jerusalem, into self-demolishing their homes, citing alleged lack of permits. Those who resist this measure often witness their homes being demolished by Israeli bulldozers, accompanied by hefty fines imposed on the homeowners.
The Israeli municipality in Jerusalem consistently denies building permits to Palestinians and eith
er demolishes their homes or compels them to self-demolish. These actions contravene international laws and humanitarian principles that safeguard the right to housing.
These policies are part of Israel’s systematic practices aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians while expanding colonial settlements in and around the city.
Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA
