The authorities intend to carry out complete or partial demolitions, targeting houses, rooms, staircases and extensions built before 2015.

Occupation forces have given affected residents varying timeframes for self-demolition. If homeowners do not comply, israeli municipality teams are ready to carry out the demolitions, with heavy fines imposed on the owners.

The Old City, with a population of 35,000, has been under full Israeli siege since the start of the aggression on 7 October. According to the Jerusalem Governorate's annual report for 2023, which documents Israeli occupation crimes, there were 316 demolitions, including 79 forced self-demolitions and 40 bulldozing operations. In addition, 263 demolition orders were issued during the same period.

In 2023, the occupation authorities approved 29 colonial projects in the Jerusalem Governorate, exacerbating tensions in the region.

These planned demolitions raise concerns about the potential displacement of Palestinian families and further restriction of their living space in the historically significant Old City.

The demand for compulsory demolition adds a layer of coercion and financial burden to the already difficult situation of the residents.

This latest development underscores the ongoing challenge of preserving the Palestinian presence and cultural heritage in occupied Jerusalem in the face of Israeli policies and actions. (ILKHA)