Demolitions continue in Jerusalem... residential and commercial structures in Beit Hanina, Silwan, and Wadi al-Joz
Demolition operations in Jerusalem persist, with the occupation municipality performing demolitions using its machinery and crews. Additionally, residents are compelled to carry out demolitions themselves to avoid extra fines and expenses or to prevent harm to nearby homes and structures.
Demolition and leveling in Beit Hanina
In Beit Hanina, occupation municipality crews, along with police and special forces, raided the area. They encircled properties belonging to the Alqam and Abu Mayala families and carried out demolitions, leveling structures and walls. This demolition work was part of ongoing efforts over recent weeks that impacted both families.
Bulldozers destroyed remnants of two apartments belonging to Marwan Abu Mayala and his mother, covering around 100 square meters, related to the Abu Mayala family’s properties.
Last week, occupation bulldozers also demolished three homes at the same site; the owners stated that the building comprised three residential units—standing for about 20 years—with a total area of 200 square meters.
Bulldozers demolished sections of one apartment, creating openings in its walls and demolishing parts of the flooring and perimeter walls.
About a month ago, occupation bulldozers demolished three family apartments at the same location, buildings that had stood for nearly 20 years.
Self-demolition in Silwan
In Silwan, young Raja’i al-Salaymeh was compelled to demolish his 90-square-meter house, built in 1996 and inhabited by six people, because it lacked a permit.
Self-Demolition and eviction of commercial properties in Wadi al-Joz
In the Wadi al-Joz neighborhood, self-demolition efforts and the eviction of shops continue, following orders from the occupation municipality targeting several longstanding businesses.
These properties consist of shops selling construction materials and plumbing supplies, greengrocers, a bakery, a hair salon, an auto parts store, a carpentry workshop, a travel agency, and other businesses that are the only means of livelihood for their owners and families.
The demolition and eviction activities in the industrial zone are part of preparations for the "Silicon Valley" project, which seeks to turn the Wadi al-Joz industrial area into a hub for technology and business.
The occupation municipality had earlier approved the "Silicon Valley" plan, targeting the current industrial zone and endangering numerous Palestinian commercial and industrial facilities. Recently, the area has also seen the demolition and eviction of businesses to prepare for the project's execution.
The "Silicon Valley" project
The "Silicon Valley" project aims to create a contemporary technology and business district in Wadi al-Joz. It includes technology and high-tech companies, commercial centers, hotels, and a technical college, as well as expanding green areas and streets—all occupying the current Palestinian industrial zone and its facilities.
The occupation municipality's data shows that the project allocates 200,000 square meters for high-tech companies, 50,000 square meters for hotels, and an additional 50,000 square meters for commercial use. This project is included in a five-year government initiative with a total budget of 2.1 billion shekels.
The project endangers existing commercial and industrial facilities in the area, which have provided livelihoods for Jerusalemite families for decades, as demolition and eviction processes have already started in the district over the past few years.
The project risks affecting 200 commercial and industrial facilities located within the "industrial zone,' covering an area of 30 dunoms.
