JERUSALEM, November 15, 2024 (WAFA) - The Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs warned that the Israeli occupation authorities are swiftly advancing with the demolition of the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Bustan.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry emphasized a sharp rise in demolitions across the city since the start of 2024, with a particular focus on the Bustan area.

According to the Ministry, the Israeli authorities have demolished over 183 buildings in East Jerusalem since the start of this year, including 33 in Silwan, with the most extensive demolitions occurring in the Bustan neighborhood.

The ministry cautioned that the increased demolitions in the Bustan neighborhood indicate the occupation's intent to erase the area and replace it with a "biblical garden" on its ruins; an act that amounts to ethnic cleansing and a war crime.

The ministry further noted that the occupation's municipality demolished three buildings in the neighborhood of Bustan last Wednesday, following the earlier destruction of three other buildings that housed seven residential apartments.

The Ministry warned that the occupation's municipality aims to remove the neighborhood, despite the fact that it has existed long before the occupation itself.

The Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs urged the international community to take immediate action to halt the widespread demolition of homes in Jerusalem, particularly in the Bustan neighborhood.

The ministry expressed appreciation for the numerous statements made by international bodies, including the European Union and the United Nations, condemning the demolitions, particularly in the Bustan neighborhood. However, it stressed the need for these countries' governments to take concrete action with Israel, the occupying power, to halt the demolition of Palestinian homes.

T.R.