A large-scale demolition in Jerusalem: Occupation forces demolish residential and commercial facilities in Silwan and Beit Safafa
On Wednesday morning, Israeli bulldozers carried out a large-scale demolition operation in the city of Jerusalem, under the pretext of unlicensed construction.
Joint crews from the Israeli municipality, special forces, and police raided the town of Silwan and the village of Beit Safafa, demolishing residential and commercial facilities.
In the Wadi Yasoul neighborhood of Silwan, Israeli forces raided two apartments belonging to the Burqan family, imposing a siege on the area before proceeding with the demolition, which targeted the apartment of Izz Burqan and his son Adam.
Izz Burqan explained that he has lived in his home for about 20 years and has tried unsuccessfully to obtain a building permit over the past few years.
The two apartments are home to nine people, and their total area is 130 square meters (65 square meters for each apartment).
In the al-Thori neighborhood of Silwan, forces stormed the home of Tarek Shweiki, imposed a siege, and prevented access to it. They then proceeded with the demolition and vandalism operation, despite the family having already implemented a self-demolition order to avoid paying exorbitant fines.
The family reported that municipal crews demolished parts of the home, which had been standing for 40 years and were not included in the demolition order, in addition to demolishing the threatened area of approximately 60 square meters.
In the village of Beit Safafa, occupation bulldozers demolished a commercial facility and a residential room, under the pretext of unlicensed construction.
