Jerusalem: Israeli occupation authorities on Sunday evening forced a Palestinian citizen to self-demolish a portion of his home in the village of Umm Tuba, southeast of Jerusalem City, citing a lack of building permits.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Jerusalem Governorate reported that the demolished section measured approximately 30 square meters. The house, which has been standing since 2014, is home to five family members, whose suffering has now been compounded by the demolition.
This incident is part of ongoing Israeli policies designed to restrict Palestinian construction in and around the occupied City of Jerusalem, exacerbating the housing crisis and preventing residents from maintaining or expanding their homes.
The Jerusalem Governorate noted that the occupation authorities carried out 49 demolitions and leveling operations in the governorate during February alone. These included 15 forced self-demolitions, 27 demolitions by Israeli machinery, and seven land-leveling operations. Additionally, 143 notices were issued, including 125 demolition orders, 16 eviction orders, and two seizure orders-concentrated in Anata, Silwan, Al-Eizariya, and Abu Dis.