Israel Demolishes Residential Building in East Jerusalem, Dozens Displaced

DID Press: Israeli bulldozers on Monday demolished a four-story residential building in East Jerusalem, leaving dozens of Palestinian residents homeless within 24 hours.

The building, located in the Silwan neighborhood near the Old City, contained twelve residential units housing approximately 100 people, most of them women, children, and the elderly. Residents reported that doors were broken while they were asleep, and they were only allowed to take essential documents and change clothes.

Local activists and Palestinian authorities described the demolition as part of a systematic policy to displace East Jerusalem residents, while Israeli officials claimed it was an enforcement action against unauthorized construction.

Three bulldozers carried out the demolition from early morning, with Israeli police blocking surrounding streets and stationing security forces in the area, including on neighboring rooftops. Residents were forced to leave clothes and belongings on the streets, and some families, including a family of seven, spent the night in their vehicles.

Activists noted that the building was constructed on privately owned Palestinian land and was demolished due to lack of permits.