Key facts
- The Jerusalem Municipality has intensified home demolitions in the Silwan neighborhood.
- Since October 7, 2023, 47 homes in the al-Bustan area of Silwan have been demolished.
A legal expert has accused Israel of ethnic cleansing in Jerusalem's Silwan neighborhood, citing increased home demolitions and forcible expulsions of Palestinian residents. The Jerusalem Municipality has razed 47 homes in the al-Bustan area since October 7, 2023, with plans to build a biblical park on the site.
The intensified demolition of Palestinian homes in Silwan and the planned construction of a biblical park raise serious concerns about the forcible displacement of residents and potential ethnic cleansing, exacerbating the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Jerusalem Municipality has significantly increased the demolition of Palestinian homes in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem, a move described by a legal expert as 'ethnic cleansing.' Since October 7, 2023, 47 homes in the al-Bustan area have been demolished, marking the highest number on record for the neighborhood, according to the Israeli rights group Ir Amim.
These demolitions are part of a larger plan to construct the King's Garden, a biblical-themed tourist archaeological park, and adjacent parking lots. This project, which has been under threat since 2005, would displace the remaining 80 to 90 Palestinian homes in al-Bustan, affecting approximately 1,550 residents.
One homeowner, Saleh (Abu Kamel) Dweik, recounted the demolition of his house, expressing despair and stating his intention to remain on his land despite the destruction. The municipality has reportedly halted negotiations with residents for fair housing solutions while advancing its development plans, particularly since October 7, 2023.