Israel demolishes 4 buildings in occupied East Jerusalem

Israeli occupation forces have demolished four more buildings in occupied East Jerusalem within two days, under the pretext that they did not have official building licences.

Heavy military machines knocked down two houses and a commercial establishment in Jabal Al Mukaber and Silwan early yesterday, without prior notice. Israeli soldiers forced residents out of their houses to carry out the demolitions, which have left at least 30 people homeless.

On Tuesday, at least four military bulldozers demolished a building under construction in Al Eisawiyah. Hanan Mahmoud, part owner of the building, said the occupation forces raided the area and sealed the entire location before demolishing the four-storey building.

“On Tuesday, we were supposed to have a court hearing on licensing the building, but the occupation forces did not give us the chance,” she told

She said she and her family had submitted all the official documents necessary to obtain the building licences, and they showed copies to the soldiers.

Mousa Obaidat, owner of the Jabal Al Mukaber house that was knocked down yesterday, said he had never been sent a demolition order, although he found out that one of his neighbours had received the order on his behalf.

Officially licenced

He explained that his house was built before 1967 and officially licensed, but he had to add a room to accommodate his increasing family. It was this new room that led to the demolition of the entire house.

In Silwan, Saleh Al Showaiki Saleh said he was shocked to see military bulldozers at the entrance of his house early yesterday morning.

The Israeli bulldozers also demolished a car washing station in Silwan, claiming it had not been licensed.