Israel expands settlement in Jerusalem's Old City, forcing Palestinian families to demolish homes

In the al‑Bustan neighbourhood of Silwan, south of Jerusalem's Old City, Israeli authorities have ordered the demolition of more than 57 Palestinian homes over the past two years, with eight additional structures slated for demolition. Residents say the clearances make way for the biblical‑themed “King’s Garden” heritage project, promoted as an archaeological tourism development linked to the nearby City of David site.

One resident, Jalal al‑Tawil, described watching a hired tractor dismantle his family home, saying, "This is something really hard. This is something bitter." The demolitions also impose steep financial penalties; community leader Fakhri Abu Diab is still repaying a fine of about 43,000 shekels plus extra police costs after his home was razed.

Separately, the Israeli government approved a large‑scale property seizure on Chain Street (Bab al‑Silsila Road) in the Old City, marking the first expropriation of Palestinian homes and shops there since 1967. The move is part of a broader strategy to expand Israeli settlement footprints near the Al‑Aqsa Mosque and reshape the urban landscape under the guise of public development.