JERUSALEM, December 23, 2024 – Israeli occupation authorities forced on Monday a Palestinian citizen to self-demolish part of his home in the town of Sur Baher, south of occupied Jerusalem, said the Jerusalem Governorate in a statement.

According to the statement, the Israeli municipality forced Jalal al-Atrash, a resident of Sur Baher, to tear down 50 square meters of his house. The demolition order was issued under the pretext of constructing without a permit.

The statement further noted that the house, built seven years ago, is home to Jalal al-Atrash, his wife and their three children.

Under the pretext of building without permits, which are rarely granted to Palestinians in the occupied city, the Israeli municipality has systematically demolished, or forced Palestinians to self-demolish their homes. This policy is part of a broader effort to restrict Palestinian expansion and growth within occupied Jerusalem.

Faced with demolition orders, Palestinians in East Jerusalem are often forced to tear down their own homes to avoid incurring exorbitant fees that would arise if the municipality were to carry out the demolition.

Many Palestinians argue that they have no choice but to build without permits, as the Israeli municipality discriminates against them by either denying permits outright or imposing unreasonable conditions that are financially unattainable.

Meanwhile, thousands of housing units are being constructed for Jewish colonists in the city, often on appropriated Palestinian land.

T.R.