JERUSALEM, Saturday, March 09, 2019 (WAFA) – After being pressured from the West Jerusalem Israeli municipality to demolish their own homes or pay exorbitant fees if the municipality crews demolish them, two Palestinian families started since last night tearing down their homes.

The Jaabis family in Jabal al-Mukabber, a neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem, started the demolition after it received an order from the Israeli municipality for its demolition under the pretext of construction without permit.

At the same time, the Alyout family in Silwan, another East Jerusalem neighborhood, proceeded with the demolition from last night, also after receiving a demolition order for construction without a permit.

According to the homeowner, Atallah Alyout, the 80-square meter house was built eight years ago to accommodate his new family, which currently adds up to seven people including five children.

He said he tried all these years to get a building permit and has paid around $30,000 in fees and fines but instead received a demolition order and told that if he does not tear down his house himself the municipality would do it for him and force him to pay high costs.

Palestinians in East Jerusalem say getting an Israeli building permit is very difficult and therefore they are forced to build without one.

M.K.