Israel demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem

Israeli authorities Tuesday demolished two houses under construction in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, under the pretext of construction without a permit, according to local sources, according to WAFA News Agency.

An Israeli police force accompanied by bulldozers broke into Silwan in the predawn hours, and cordoned off the area before proceeding to demolish the two homes, without any prior notice. The two homes belonged to two brothers identified as Mohammad and Khaled Abbasi.

Khaled Abbas told reporters that the two homes were supposed to shelter 12 members of their families as both brothers have been living in their fathers home with their families for the past six years, noting that this is the second time forces demolish the two houses in a matter of four months, citing the same pretext.

He added that the demolition of their homes incurred some 700,000 shekels (about $181,000) in construction expenses that all went in vain, adding: “We need to work for almost 10 years to cover our debts incurred by the construction of the two homes.”