In recent developments in Jerusalem, 17 demolition notices have been issued in the Wadi al-Joz neighborhood, targeting homes and commercial facilities. This action is part of a broader trend, with approximately 23,000 demolition orders reported in the city, reflecting a significant escalation in demolition activities under the current Israeli government. The Wadi Hilweh Human Rights Information Center reports that the homes affected were built decades ago and currently house around 70 residents, including vulnerable individuals such as the sick and elderly.
Experts, including Jerusalemite writer Ahmed Al-Safadi, express concern that these demolitions are part of a systematic policy aimed at displacing Palestinian residents and facilitating the appropriation of land for public use and gardens. Al-Safadi emphasizes that the decision to demolish these homes is not isolated but is part of a larger strategy affecting various neighborhoods in Jerusalem, particularly Silwan.
Ziad Al-Hamouri, director of the Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights, underscores that the ongoing demolitions represent a continuation of displacement policies dating back to the Nakba in 1948. With 87% of Jerusalem's land confiscated and high costs associated with building permits, many residents feel trapped. The psychological impact of demolition, including the anxiety surrounding self-demolition to avoid fines, further exacerbates the situation. Al-Hamouri highlights that the authorities impose heavy taxes and fines on homeowners, ultimately leading to a cycle of economic weakening and forced migration of Jerusalemites.
- The situation in Jerusalem has been deteriorating, with the number of demolitions peaking in recent months. In July alone, 64 demolition operations were reported, including forced self-demolitions. The focus of these demolitions has been primarily in areas like Anata, which lies outside the separation wall. The targeted structures include not only homes but also commercial and agricultural facilities, indicating a broader strategy to undermine the Palestinian presence in the city.
- The demolitions have sparked outrage among local and international observers, who view them as violations of human rights and an attempt to erase the Palestinian identity in Jerusalem. Activists argue that these actions are not just about land but also about the cultural and historical significance of the neighborhoods being targeted.
