JERUSALEM, February 17, 2026 (WAFA) — The family of Ahmad Khader, from the neighborhood of Sur Baher in occupied Jerusalem, was forced on Tuesday to demolish its own home after receiving a demolition notice from Israeli authorities two weeks ago.

According to the Jerusalem Governorate, the family carried out the demolition hours before the deadline, with the grandfather and his grandchildren dismantling the house themselves to avoid municipal bulldozers destroying it and imposing a fine of about 80,000 shekels (roughly $25,000).

The 80-square-meter home, built around 10 years ago, had housed three family members.

Palestinian families in Jerusalem are frequently compelled to carry out self-demolitions following orders issued by the Jerusalem Municipality, which cite construction without permits. These permits are difficult to obtain, leaving families to choose between demolishing their homes themselves or facing higher demolition costs and fines if authorities carry out the action.

M.N