Diplomatic missions visit residents of the Al Bustan Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem threatened by imminent demolition orders

Since 2010, Israeli authorities have demolished nineteen structures in Al-Bustan under the pretext of lacking building permits, the latest on 28 August, displacing a family of three. Currently, at least 12 homes in the neighborhood of are under imminent threat of demolition, placing at least 40 individuals under risk of forced displacement. Al-Bustan Association, a community center that provides socio-cultural support to families and youths of the entire neighborhood - including through art, sports and culture - is one of the targets of these demolition orders.

Plans to establish an Israeli tourist attraction in the area could imply the demolition of the Al-Bustan neighborhood and the displacement of its residents. Al-Bustan community has submitted alternative urban development plans to the municipality without results.

Israel's settlement policy is illegal under international law, undermines the viability of the two-state solution with Jerusalem as the future capital of both States, and the prospect for a lasting peace in the region. Unilateral actions taken in that context, such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes will only escalate an already tense environment and lead to further violence and human suffering. The Israeli authorities should immediately cease these activities and provide adequate permits for legal construction and development of Palestinian communities.