Jerusalem: Israeli occupation authorities forced a Palestinian citizen on Saturday to demolish his home in the Silwan neighborhood of occupied Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Governorate stated that the municipality compelled Waseem Lutfi Seyam to demolish his residence in the Wadi Hilweh area, following a final demolition order that provided him with a 21-day compliance period.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Seyam revealed that the house, constructed approximately 20 years ago and spanning about 140 square meters, consisted of two apartments. These apartments were home to his family and his mother. He expressed shock upon receiving the demolition order and had unsuccessfully appealed to the court to halt it. Seyam described facing extremely challenging conditions, lacking alternative housing or storage solutions. He noted that his mother suffers from pulmonary failure, and he himself has a work-related injury.
Seyam further mentioned being fined around 200,000 shekels, which ultimately compelled him to start the process of evacuating and demolishing the home himself.