Story perspectives

Israeli officials compel Palestinians to self-demolish homes in Jerusalem.

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israeli officials forced Palestinians to self-demolish homes under threat of steep municipal fines.
In Jerusalem’s Sweih neighborhood officials ordered Awatif Mahmoud al-Ghoul and the Al-Faqih family in Shu’fat camp to self-demolish their homes.
Since January more than 200 Palestinian homes in occupied Jerusalem have been razed or ordered for self-demolition.
Human-rights groups say the practice seeks to displace Palestinians, change Jerusalem’s demographics, and violates the Fourth Geneva Convention.

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Story summary

Israeli officials forced Palestinians to self-demolish homes under threat of steep municipal fines.
In Jerusalem’s Sweih neighborhood officials ordered Awatif Mahmoud al-Ghoul and the Al-Faqih family in Shu’fat camp to self-demolish their homes.
Since January more than 200 Palestinian homes in occupied Jerusalem have been razed or ordered for self-demolition.
Human-rights groups say the practice seeks to displace Palestinians, change Jerusalem’s demographics, and violates the Fourth Geneva Convention.