Israeli settlers push Palestinians from East Jerusalem homes and land
Updated
Updated · NPR · May 4
Israeli settlers push Palestinians from East Jerusalem homes and land
12 articles · Updated · NPR · May 4
In East Jerusalem, the government uses archaeological claims to justify eviction orders affecting Palestinians who have lived there for generations.
The report says settlers continue using those claims to advance removals from homes and land in the occupied city.
The dispute highlights how archaeology and state-backed legal measures are being used in a broader struggle over Palestinian residency and property rights in East Jerusalem.
How is ancient history being weaponized to displace families in modern-day Jerusalem?
With international law calling them illegal, why is a systematic 'mega land grab' accelerating in the West Bank?
Silwan Evictions March 2026: How Israeli Laws and Courts Enable the Seizure of Palestinian Homes
Overview
In March 2026, Israeli authorities forcibly evicted 15 Palestinian families from Batn al-Hawa, Silwan, using a legal framework that favors Jewish claims to pre-1948 East Jerusalem properties. Settler groups, empowered by land transfers and court rulings, initiated eviction lawsuits that the Israeli courts consistently upheld, leading to rapid displacement. These evictions have caused deep psychological trauma, disrupted community life, and altered Jerusalem's demographics, undermining prospects for peace. Despite international condemnation, limited action has been taken. Meanwhile, Palestinian residents face ongoing harassment and neglect but continue to resist through community solidarity and legal challenges, highlighting a persistent struggle against systematic displacement and demographic change.