The Jerusalem Municipality has begun the demolition of a number of structures in the Wadi Yasul neighborhood. City authorities explain their actions by citing plans to create a public park zone in this area.
At the same time, Palestinian residents of the neighborhood state that the municipality's actions are aimed at their displacement and limiting access to urban infrastructure.
Conflict over the area
In the Al-Bustan (Silwan) area of East Jerusalem, demolitions of unauthorized structures are also continuing. According to the Jerusalem Municipality, the area is designated for a park and public parking lots amid an acute shortage of open public spaces.
Representatives of the Ir Amim organization and the local population assert that urban planning policy has limited the possibilities for obtaining building permits for Palestinian residents, forcing them to construct homes without official documents.
“The zoning of the area where objects were built without permits and illegally in the Al-Bustan neighborhood is intended for a public park for the benefit of all city residents,” the Jerusalem Municipality stated.
Source: timesofisrael.com