Israel steps up evictions and demolitions in east Jerusalem

Key Points:

• Israeli authorities have intensified home demolitions and evictions of Palestinians in annexed east Jerusalem, with over 260 structures demolished in 2025, marking a 70% increase from three years prior, according to the Israeli anti-settlement group Ir Amim.
• Palestinians face significant barriers to obtaining housing permits in east Jerusalem, with nearly 9,000 permits granted to Jewish residents compared to fewer than 700 for Palestinians last year, contributing to unauthorized construction and subsequent demolitions.
• The contested neighborhoods, such as al-Bustan and Batan al-Hawah near major religious sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque, are targeted for demolition and settlement expansion, as settlers move in following Palestinian evictions, driven by state-supported policies and discriminatory laws.
• Palestinian residents, like Fakhri Abu Diab and Zuhair al-Rajabi, have lost homes after prolonged legal battles and face displacement with limited options due to high rents and lack of alternative housing, while settler organizations claim to be restoring historic Jewish presence.
• Israeli officials maintain that demolitions are due to illegal construction and zoning laws, asserting equal legal treatment for all residents, while critics accuse the government and judiciary of facilitating a systematic campaign to Judaize east Jerusalem and displace Palestinians.