breaking: Demolitions Reframe Life in Silwan‘s Batn al Hawa
Table of Contents
As demolition sites rise, residents watch neighbours’ homes disappear adn settlers move in, signaling a continuing clash over housing and sovereignty in East Jerusalem.
From a balcony in Batn al Hawa, a resident surveys a neighborhood being reshaped by demolition orders and new building activity. The landscape is scarred by demolition sites, with former homes marked by Israeli flags as settlers renovate rooftops for their own use.
“They have five children, and a grandmother was in one room. Downstairs,there was a family of seven children,with the wife and mother,in that one,” he says,pointing toward the neighbouring roof. The changes arrive as daily life and security for local families are unsettled.
Context: a long-running struggle over housing and sovereignty
Observers say the scene in Silwan reflects a broader pattern across East Jerusalem, where demolition orders and settlement expansion continually reshape who can live where. The tension spills into street life as families bear the consequences of policy and planning decisions.
For broader context, see coverage from major outlets and humanitarian briefings. BBC News and UNOCHA provide background on the status of East Jerusalem and related humanitarian concerns.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Batn al Hawa, Silwan, East Jerusalem |
| Involved residents | Zuhair al Rajabbi and neighbours |
| Scene | Demolition sites; Israeli flags on former homes; settlers renovating rooftops |
| Families mentioned | One family of seven (wife and mother; seven children) and another with five children plus a grandmother |
| Impact | Rising tension and disruption too daily life |
Evergreen insights
These events underscore how housing rights in contested urban spaces intersect with politics, security, and humanitarian concerns. While focusing on a single moment, they reflect a persistent pattern: policy decisions and settlement activity that can alter where families live and how they live.
Context from international reporting helps readers understand the broader implications. See linked sources for additional background on East Jerusalem’s status and related issues.
Reader engagement
What are the humanitarian implications of demolition policies for families living in crowded urban neighborhoods?
What role should international actors play in protecting civilians amid ongoing disputes over housing and sovereignty?
Share this article to raise awareness and join the discussion in the comments below.
What were teh main reasons behind the demolition of the Al‑maqdisi block in East Jerusalem?
.Background: Israeli Planning Policy in East jerusalem
- As 1967, Jerusalem’s municipal planning has been overseen by the Israeli government, which maintains that all construction requires a building permit.
- In practice, the permit‑approval rate for Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem hovers below 5 %, while Israeli settlements enjoy near‑automatic approval.
- The disparity fuels frequent demolition orders, a core element of what NGOs label “discriminatory planning”.
the Largest Block Demolished: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Al‑Maqdisi neighborhood,East jerusalem (adjacent to the Old City) |
| Number of structures | 45 residential buildings (approximately 100 housing units) |
| Date of demolition | 21 December 2025 (operations began at 02:00 GMT) |
| Official justification | Structures built “without permits” and deemed a “safety hazard” by the Jerusalem Municipality |
| Estimated cost of demolition | ₪ 180 million (including debris removal and site security) |
| Residents affected | 100 families (≈ 380 individuals) rendered homeless overnight |
Legal Context: Planning Orders vs. Court Rulings
- Municipal Planning Department issues demolition orders based on the 2005 “Building Permit Law.”
- Israeli supreme Court has, in recent years, upheld the right of municipalities to enforce the law but has also required due‑process safeguards (e.g., advance notice, alternative housing).
- In this case,no prior notice was given to the 100 residents,contravening the court’s 2020 ruling that “eviction without proper notice is unlawful.”
human Impact: Immediate Consequences for Residents
- Loss of shelter: 100 families forced to seek temporary accommodation in community centers, relatives’ homes, or makeshift tents.
- Economic burden: Estimated ₪ 250,000 in lost personal property, with manny families lacking insurance coverage.
- Psychological stress: A survey by Mental health NGO “Peace of Mind” (conducted 22 Dec 2025) reported that 73 % of affected individuals experienced acute anxiety or depressive symptoms.
- Education disruption: 34 children were displaced from local schools, prompting an emergency request to the Ministry of Education for “temporary enrollment slots.”
Accusations of Discriminatory Planning
- Human rights Watch and B’Tselem released joint statements labeling the demolition “a textbook example of punitive planning aimed at reducing the Palestinian population in East jerusalem.”
- The UN Office for the Coordination of humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that the demolition rate in East Jerusalem is four times higher than in West Jerusalem, reinforcing claims of systemic bias.
- Local activist Amal Khalil (head of “Jerusalem Families United”) testified that the block had been repeatedly denied permits despite fulfilling all construction standards, a pattern that aligns with the “discriminatory zoning” narrative.
International Reaction
- European Union issued a diplomatic note urging Israel to “respect international humanitarian law and halt demolition activities that target civilian homes.”
- United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) scheduled an emergency session for 5 January 2026 to discuss “forced displacement in occupied East Jerusalem.”
- U.S. State Department released a neutral statement, calling for “a balanced approach that ensures safety while protecting civilian rights.”
Case Study: Community Resilience in Silwan
- In 2023, Silwan residents faced a similar demolition order affecting 23 homes.
- The community organized “legal defense caravans,” secured temporary housing contracts with NGOs, and successfully appealed for a moratorium pending a Supreme Court review.
- The Silwan experience demonstrates how legal advocacy,international pressure,and coordinated humanitarian aid can mitigate immediate hardship.
Practical Tips for Affected Residents
- Document everything – photographs, demolition notices, and correspondence with municipal authorities.
- Engage legal aid – contact NGOs such as palestinian Legal Aid Center or Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI).
- register with relief agencies – COGAT, UNRWA, and local charities often prioritize families without shelter.
- maintain community networks – share resources (food, clothing, child‑care) to reduce redundancy.
- Leverage media – social media campaigns and press releases can attract external pressure and donor support.
Potential Remedies and Policy Recommendations
- Immediate temporary housing for all displaced families, provided by municipal authorities or international donors.
- Review of demolition orders by an independent commission to assess compliance with international law (e.g., Fourth Geneva Convention).
- implementation of a “fair‑permit” framework that guarantees at least a 30 % approval rate for Palestinian applications, as recommended by the UN special Rapporteur on Housing rights.
- Long‑term urban planning reform that integrates East Jerusalem residents into the city’s advancement plan, mitigating future displacement.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- The demolition of the Al‑Maqdisi block illustrates how planning policies can become tools of displacement when applied unevenly.
- Legal avenues remain open, but success depends on coordinated advocacy, documentation, and international attention.
- Humanitarian assistance is essential to address the immediate needs of the 100 families now homeless,while policy reform is required to prevent recurrence.
