Demolitions escalate in Jerusalem… residential apartments and commercial buildings are demolished amid ongoing restrictive policies
The self-demolition policy in Jerusalem is accelerating, driven by strict restrictions on construction and licensing, as well as hefty fines imposed by the Israeli municipality. This compels many Jerusalemite families to demolish their own homes to prevent additional financial burdens.
Beit Hanina: Fines exceeding 100,000 Shekels
In the village of Jabal al-Mukabber, Samir Arar was forced to self-demolish his 80-square-meter house, built in 2008 and home to seven people.
Arar explained that the Israeli municipality imposed fines totaling approximately 100,000 shekels on him, despite his attempt in 2014 to obtain a building permit and his submission of all required documents. His application was rejected.
He reported receiving an initial fine of 80,000 shekels, followed by another of 18,000 shekels, and was required to keep paying fines until 2027 before finally being served a demolition order on January 26th.
In Beit Hanina, young Rami al-Bakri was compelled to demolish his own home, which had stood for eight years, measured approximately 40 square meters, and comprised a single room and outbuildings.
Before receiving a final demolition order two weeks ago, the municipality imposed building violation fines totaling nearly 50,000 shekels on him.
Al-Bakri stated, "I reside in this house with my wife, and we have no other place to go. Rents in Jerusalem are extremely high, which is a common issue for young residents there. We have no option but to demolish it."
In the same town, the municipality issued a demolition order for a car wash owned by Jerusalemites Abdul Karim Darwish and Suhaib al-Rajabi, which supports 10 families.
Silwan: Demolition to avoid fines and vandalism
In Silwan, the occupation municipality compelled Mu'tasim Abu Tayeh to demolish his 80-square-meter home, built just six months prior. The house, comprising two rooms and their amenities, accommodated five residents.
Abu Tayeh stated that he had to demolish his own house to prevent hefty fines or damage from neighboring buildings. He noted that he repaired his family home after the Israeli water company "Gihon" caused damage to the water line. However, after completing the repairs, he was unexpectedly charged with vandalism by the municipality, which added to his stress.
Beit Safafa: Land demolition, confiscation, and uprooting of trees
In the village of Beit Safafa, resident Tariq Suleiman Zawahra reported that the Israeli municipality bulldozed more than two and a half dunams of land, demolished the mobile homes there, confiscated construction materials and equipment, and uprooted trees.
Zawahra estimated his losses at over a quarter of a million shekels due to these actions.
He explained that four families rely on this land for their livelihood. He also noted that two weeks ago, municipal crews entered the area and demanded cleaning, then unexpectedly returned today to carry out extensive bulldozing and destruction.
He noted that the municipality told him to clear the rubble and demolition debris, warning him of a 100,000 shekel fine if he failed to do so.
The family stated they would keep their inherited land from their ancestors and prevent it from being confiscated.
During the raid, the forces critically assaulted and detained a woman from the family, intensifying the family's hardship under these actions. These measures are part of a deliberate policy aimed at restricting the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem, by limiting construction, refusing permits to residents, imposing heavy fines, and eventually compelling them to demolish their own homes.
