Self-demolition continues in Jerusalem: Three families self-demolish their homes to avoid forced demolition costs
The occupation authorities in Jerusalem continue their policy of self-demolition against Palestinians. Three families from the towns of Silwan and Sur Baher (Qaraeein, Sumrein, and Amira) self-demolished their homes, pursuant to a decision by the occupation municipality, which claimed they were built without a permit. This decision came despite the families having paid hundreds of thousands of shekels in fines and having attempted to obtain a permit for years to no avail.
In Silwan, the Qaraeein family began self-demolishing their two homes in the Wadi Hilweh neighborhood to avoid any damage to neighboring homes if the municipality carried out the demolition, and to avoid paying the "demolition fee."
The family explained that the building had been standing for 25 years and consisted of two apartments housing 12 people. The occupation municipality had issued them building fines five consecutive times, totaling 700,000 shekels, despite their repeated attempts to obtain a building permit, to no avail.
In the same town, the Sumrein family began self-demolishing their home in the Al-Thori neighborhood.
The family said they received the demolition order about a month ago, and the municipality gave them 21 days to implement it, otherwise its crews would carry it out and the family would be required to pay the full costs, including the wages of the crews, workers, machinery, and accompanying forces.
They added that the municipality imposed building violations amounting to 24,000 shekels, despite repeated attempts to obtain a permit. The family noted that the house consists of two rooms.
The Amira family also began self-demolishing the two apartments of their son, Jamal Amira, on the grounds of unlicensed construction.
Jamal has lived in the house for nine months with his pregnant wife, and the two apartments cover approximately 125 square meters.
