Yusra Qwaider, a 97-year-old bedridden resident, is set to lose her home for the third time to make way for a biblical park in East Jerusalem. The Al-Bustan neighbourhood is home to 115 families, with 17 homes already demolished this year.
The municipality claims the homes are illegal, but residents say they were built without permits, which are almost impossible to obtain. The expansion of the City of David archaeology and tourism project aims to create the 'King's Garden' park for visitors.
Residents, including Fakhri Abu Diab, are pleading with world leaders to intervene and prevent the demolition of their homes. They claim it's a political decision and a war crime.
Peace Now's Yonatan Mizrahi said Elad employed different strategies for taking over specific areas of Silwan, including the 'Judaisation' of the area at the expense of Palestinian residents.
City councillor Laura Wharton said the lack of building permits for Palestinian residents is the most punitive element, while Jewish residents are allowed to build.
