Within one month, Israeli authorities forced 13 Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem to demolish their homes themselves, while Israeli municipal machinery carried out 14 additional demolitions targeting Palestinian homes and structures across the governorate. Authorities also issued 26 demolition notices against other properties.
On July 30, an Israeli court informed Jerusalem resident Mohammad Fayez Nimr Dweiyat and his father of a decision ordering the demolition of their homes in the Sur Baher neighborhood, nearly 10 years after they were built. The two houses covered an area of around 130 square meters before the family was forced to demolish them this week.
Seven people, including women and children, had been living in the two homes. The father and son had accumulated previous fines totaling around $30,000 as they attempted to avoid the demolition.
Palestinian residents of Jerusalem are often forced to demolish their own homes under the justification of lacking building permits, which international organizations have described as extremely difficult for Palestinians to obtain. If residents refuse to carry out demolition orders, Israeli authorities demolish the structures themselves and charge homeowners the costs, which can sometimes equal the value of the construction.
Mohammad Fayez Dweiyat and his son Mohammad described the legal procedures, financial penalties, and years of unsuccessful attempts to obtain a building permit. Fayez said he received the demolition order after an eight-year legal battle, adding that construction in areas surrounding Jerusalem has been heavily restricted.
He said the demolition has left his family separated, with his wife moving to her parents’ home, while his son and his family moved to his wife’s relatives. He was forced to stay at his sister’s house.
Fayez added that renting a home for both families has become extremely difficult, while moving outside Jerusalem is not an option due to fears of losing his Jerusalem residency status.
His son Mohammad said the measures are part of attempts to push Palestinians out of Jerusalem, but stressed his determination to remain despite describing life in the city as “very tragic.”
“Living in Jerusalem is extremely difficult and tragic,” he said, citing restrictions, strict Israeli laws, and financial penalties imposed on Palestinians. He added that many Jerusalem residents live under constant pressure due to repeated legal proceedings and accumulated fines.
Mohammad said Jerusalem is experiencing “critical stages in history,” stressing the importance of remaining steadfast. He described the hardships faced by residents as “the price of living in this sacred land,” adding that freedom has a cost that must be paid.
In another case, an Israeli court gave Jerusalem resident Yacoub Al-Rashq until Saturday to demolish his home in the Silwan neighborhood of occupied Jerusalem, despite having paid previous fines in an attempt to avoid the demolition.
His son Yousef Al-Rashq said the house was built in 2008, covers 110 square meters, and is home to 10 people, including women and children.
He said Israeli authorities gave the family 10 days to evacuate the house before its demolition. He also described years of Israeli police measures against him, including his arrest and restrictions on his access to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The case has remained in Israeli courts since 2011, and the family will eventually be forced to demolish the home themselves to avoid larger financial penalties. He added that even leaving the rubble behind could result in additional fines, describing the situation as “a policy of displacement” affecting residents of the Al-Bustan neighborhood.
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