From fines to demolition: The occupation demolishes the Badran family building and escalates its targeting of the Al-Bustan neighborhood
On Wednesday, Israeli occupation municipality bulldozers demolished the Badran family residential building in the Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan, following an assault on the area with forces and bulldozers.
The three-story building included four apartments, a parking area, and a room, covering roughly 500 square meters in total.
Mona Badran stated that her husband constructed the building in 1990, and she, along with her daughters and their families, lived there. She and her son, who has special needs, lived in the first apartment, which has been there since the early 1990s.
Her daughter, Enaya Badran, resided in the second apartment. Ilham Badran, her husband, and their five children lived in the third. The fourth apartment was set aside for Mu'taz Qaraeen, the family's grandson, who was getting it ready for his upcoming marriage.
Ms. Mona Badran stated that she suffered substantial financial losses due to the violations and measures taken by the occupation authorities. The family was fined 100,000 shekels to avoid demolition and resolve the case.
Badran voiced her disappointment over the demolition order, stressing that the land is family property and that they have paid all fines and penalties. She questioned what will happen to them after their home was demolished.
Ms. Mona Badran stated that she has fractures, her daughter and husband are unwell, and her son has a disability that demands ongoing care. Following the demolition, the family is now homeless and has not received any assistance for their health needs.
The family explained that their violation involved the outer wall, and they had already taken legal steps and paid the fines. They inquired about how the issue led to the demolition of the whole building!
Dozens of demolitions in Al-Bustan neighborhood
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center stated that the Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan is experiencing ongoing demolitions, stemming from an old plan from 2004 when the Israeli municipality decided to demolish the whole neighborhood to make way for the "King's Garden" project on its site.
In 2005, Israeli authorities started handing out demolition notices to residents of the neighborhood, but the decision was later halted due to international pressure, human rights concerns, and diplomatic efforts.
During that time, residents collaborated with engineers and lawyers to develop urban plans, which involved opening streets and designating land for infrastructure and public facilities like schools and playgrounds.
In March 2021, residents were taken aback when the Israeli municipality rejected the approved plans and declined to prolong the demolition order freeze. This action broke previous agreements and allowed demolitions to restart in the area. The Wadi Hilweh Information Center reported increased demolition activity in the al-Bustan neighborhood, with dozens of demolitions affecting over 65 homes in recent years.
The Israeli plan in al-Bustan extends beyond home demolitions to land confiscation of Palestinian-owned property for projects like the "King's Garden' and settler parking lots. These measures risk the existence of remaining homes and land, endangering the neighborhood's Palestinian residents.
