JERUSALEM, December 26, 2017 (WAFA) – Israeli forces on Tuesday demolished two structures and notified to demolish a number of homes in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, under the pretext of construction without a permit, according to local sources.

Israeli police accompanied by bulldozers broke into Silwan in the early morning hours and demolished a commercial store and an animal shack, according to the Silwan-based Wadi Hilweh Information Center.

The police handed notices to a number of local Palestinians informing them about the Israeli municipality’s intention to demolish their homes, citing construction without an Israeli permit as a pretext.

The police also raided multiple commercial stores in the neighborhood and illegally confiscated some of their content, including the content of a gas distribution company, as well as confiscated vehicles that were parking outside the stores.

They further raided a restaurant in the area and confiscated seven gas cylinders from the restaurant.     

Earlier the day, Israeli police conducted a wide-scale campaign in the area, during which the police arrested at least ten Palestinians.

M.N./M.H.