The Battle Over Home Demolitions in East Jerusalem
In the heart of East Jerusalem, the battle over home demolitions is intensifying. The story of Ahmad Musa al-Qumbar, a Palestinian father-of-four, sheds light on the struggles faced by many in the region. Living in a district captured by Israel in the 1967 war, Ahmad recently had to demolish his own home to avoid hefty fines from the Jerusalem City authorities.
The rate of Palestinian home demolitions in East Jerusalem has skyrocketed, with many families facing eviction and displacement. The issue of building permits and legal permissions is at the center of the conflict, as Palestinian families are denied the right to expand or build on their own land.
On one side of the city, Jewish settlements are rapidly expanding, while Palestinian neighborhoods face demolitions and restrictions on growth. The international community condemns Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem as illegal, but the government denies any discriminatory policies.
Despite the challenges, families like Lutfiyah al-Wahidi’s remain resilient, vowing to stay and rebuild their lives in East Jerusalem, amidst ongoing turmoil and uncertainty.