A surge in Israeli demolitions has left Palestinian families reeling in East Jerusalem, with 59 homes destroyed in the al-Bustan area of the Silwan neighborhood since late 2023. The demolitions have displaced numerous families, with many more facing eviction notices. Fayez Awad, a 58-year-old resident, lamented the loss of his home, saying “They destroyed the future and everything else.”
The demolitions are part of a long-standing plan to turn al-Bustan into a biblically-themed park, the King’s Garden, to be run by a Jewish settler organization. Israeli courts have enforced demolition orders, leaving Palestinians with few options. Many residents have opted to demolish their own homes to avoid hefty fines and costs imposed by the municipality.
Jerusalem Demolitions
The rise in demolitions has sparked outrage among Palestinians, who claim that Israel is using the current geopolitical situation to push them out of their homes. Local activist Fakhri Abu Diab said, “Israel is using the geopolitical situation to finish the issue. It’s very difficult and painful, and the international community has left us all alone.” The Jerusalem Municipality has stated that it is working to build a park in an area with a severe shortage of public spaces.
Palestinians argue that Israeli construction permits in East Jerusalem are nearly impossible to obtain, with only 7% of new housing approved in 2025 going to Palestinians, who make up 40% of the city’s population. The demolitions have also raised concerns about the forced transfer of a population from occupied land, which is illegal under international law.
The issue is further complicated by the competing claims to the land, with Israel capturing East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East War and later annexing it. The international community does not recognize this annexation, and the status of Jerusalem remains a major point of contention in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
International Implications
The demolitions have significant implications for the broader Israel-Palestinian conflict, with many seeing it as an attempt to undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. The current Israeli government has pledged to “bury” the idea of Palestinian statehood, and the demolitions are seen as a step towards achieving this goal.
The international community has been criticized for its lack of action on the issue, with many Palestinians feeling abandoned and alone. As the situation continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the rising tensions in East Jerusalem.
