Escalation of demolitions in Silwan: Homes demolished and families displaced in Al-Bustan neighborhood
Demolitions are ongoing in the town of Silwan in Jerusalem, particularly increasing attacks on homes in the Al-Bustan area. This occurs alongside demolition orders and significant fines issued by the Israeli municipality to residents.
Omar Abu Rajab was compelled to self-demolish his home in Al-Bustan after receiving a final order. He stated that his house, built in 2016 and measuring about 45 square meters, is where he lives with his wife. Since 2020, he has faced fines—initially 40,000 shekels, then a second fine of 24,000 shekels.
He explained that he built the house after his previous residence in the Wadi Yasoul area of Silwan was demolished. He mentioned being fined for the "demolition costs" caused by Israeli forces and their bulldozers. To avoid additional financial penalties, he had to carry out the demolition himself this time. Simultaneously, municipal bulldozers destroyed Saleh Dweik's home, where he and his family of four had lived since 1998. The house was about 110 square meters.
The Qweider family is also at risk of losing their apartment building following a final demolition order and the commencement of its execution. Mohammed Attia Qweider stated that he had begun demolishing two apartments owned by his sons, Mahmoud and Abd Qweider. He mentioned that the building has three floors and six apartments, with some sections dating back to 1970 and others added in 1985.
On the ground floor of the building lives Hajja Yusra Qweider, 97 years old.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center stated that the Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan is experiencing frequent and increasing demolitions, which are part of a long-standing plan from 2004. That year, the Israeli municipality announced plans to demolish the entire neighborhood to make way for the "King's Garden" project. In 2005, demolition notices started to be distributed, but the decision was later halted due to international pressure and diplomatic and human rights efforts.
During that period, residents, through engineers and lawyers, prepared urban development plans for the neighborhood. These plans included opening streets and allocating land for infrastructure and public facilities such as schools and playgrounds. However, in March 2021, residents were surprised when the Israeli municipality rejected these plans and refused to extend the freeze on demolition orders, which was seen as a breach of previous agreements.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center stated that the municipality has increased its demolition activities in the Al-Bustan neighborhood over the past few years and has expanded these efforts in recent weeks.
