Occupation municipality forces two families to demolish their establishments in Silwan and Issawiya
The occupation municipality forced two Palestinian families in Jerusalem to self-demolish their own homes and agricultural structures on Tuesday in the towns of Silwan and Issawiya, under the pretext of building without permits.
In the Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan, Musa Badran was forced to self-demolish his apartment to avoid paying exorbitant fines, which are typically imposed on homeowners when municipal crews carry out demolitions. These fines can reach over 300,000 shekels in "demolition fees" for the accompanying forces and municipal crews.
Badran explained that the demolition process was "extremely difficult," saying, "It's very difficult to demolish my own house with my own hands. This is the result of years of hard work. But for a week now, they've been raiding the house to check if I've complied with the demolition order. I tried to refuse at first, but I had no choice."
The apartment was approximately 75 square meters and was home to three members of the family.
In the village of Issawiya, the occupation municipality forced the Derbas family to demolish a sheep and horse pen they owned, after warning them several times. The family dismantled the roof made of zinc sheets to avoid fines.
