Settlers seize 12 square meters of property belonging to the Sha'bani family in Wadi Hilweh in Silwan
On Thursday morning, the Wadi Hilweh neighborhood in Silwan experienced a new incident at the settlement outpost of "City of David". The incident involved trying to change the geographic boundaries of a Palestinian-owned property and taking part of it to expand the settlement's tourist center in the area.
Samir Sha'bani, a Palestinian, and his family were caught off guard when workers and engineers linked to the settlement center arrived. They started using mechanical tools to dismantle the wall and iron fence that mark the family's property boundaries and safeguard their backyard.
Sha'bani indicated that the targeted area covers roughly 12 square meters and is a secure, enclosed part of the family's historic estate. He saw the incident as a clear attempt at land seizure and an infringement on private property rights without any legal basis.
He added that the official overseeing the settlement stated during his conversation with the family that the targeted area is part of the settlement center. He also asserted that no entity or authority can stop them from completing their work, taking control of the land, and finishing the construction.
Samir Sha’bani resides on the targeted property with his 90-year-old mother, which has increased the family's worries about removing the fence and wall around the house. They are concerned that this could change the property boundaries and create a new situation on the ground.
Subsequently, the family endeavored through all possible means to safeguard their land. Samir Sha’bani reached out to the Israeli police, asking for their help to stop the boundary removal and prevent land encroachment. Yet the police initially refused, stating that there was no court order or written injunction to halt the work at that time. This situation enables settler organizations to establish new realities on the ground, taking advantage of the sluggish legal process.
This attack extends beyond the Sha’bani family home, fitting into a larger pattern of disputes and legal cases targeting lands and properties of neighboring families. Specifically, the Tawil and Ramouni families, along with the Sha'bani family, are involved in ongoing legal battles that have not yet resulted in a final ruling to stop the settlement's expansion in the area.
After this development, the family consulted their lawyer, who advised them to promptly file a police report about vandalism and trespassing on private property. He also suggested obtaining a restraining order to prevent any work or modifications on the land until the court dispute is settled.
