JERUSALEM, June 7, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli authorities on Sunday forced a Palestinian resident to demolish his own home in the Bir Ayyoub neighborhood of Silwan, south of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem.

The homeowner, Ashraf Burqan, was compelled to carry out the demolition himself after being presented with two options: either demolish the structure on his own or face substantial additional costs if municipal authorities carried out the demolition, in addition to fines already imposed.

The 60-square-meter home housed three members of the Burqan family.

Israeli authorities frequently require Palestinian residents of Jerusalem to carry out self-demolitions of homes built without permits. Residents who refuse are often charged the costs of demolition carried out by municipal crews, along with other financial penalties.

Palestinians say obtaining building permits in occupied East Jerusalem remains extremely difficult, leaving many families vulnerable to demolition orders.

K.T