ICAHD UK Webinar Thursday 14th May 2026
Israeli authorities have accelerated the demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, especially in neighborhoods like Silwan located just below the Old City. In nearly all cases, Israel cites the lack of building permits which are notoriously difficult for Palestinians to obtain.
Over 1,200 homes were demolished in the past five years, with an unprecedented surge following 7th October 2023. In addition, many hundreds of Palestinians are forced into "self-demolition" to avoid heavy fines and costs.
This webinar was held on Jerusalem Day, a date when Israeli flag-waving Zionists flood into Jerusalem’s Old City to commemorate the “reunification” with East Jerusalem. It is a day that involves frightening intimidation and violence towards Palestinians. It was also the eve of Nakba Day when we remember the 750,000 Palestinians who were made refugees, and that the Nakba continues.
Moneer Marjeieh spoke first with his PowerPoint presentation. He gave an overview of the Palestinian and Jewish populations living in Jerusalem and how the demographics are being changed to ensure Jewish Israeli dominance. Moneer spoke about displacements, demolitions and the rapid growth of settlements. He ended by encouraging us all to keep talking about what is happening in Jerusalem and to the Palestinians. He said that we are in the last stage of genocide when the perpetrator denies the reality, tries to escape accountability, control the narrative and blame the victim.
Fakhri Abu Diab told the story of a 97-year-old Palestinian woman, a refugee from Jaffa now residing in the Al-Bustan neighbourhood, whose home is due to be demolished next week and then we went on to tell his story. He described the trauma and the economic impact of home demolitions and displacement. Since 7th October 2023, 52% of the homes in his neighbourhood have been demolished and the rest are scheduled for demolition by October this year. Fakhri said that the international community must do more than just condemn them and that decisive action must be taken.
Speakers
Fakhri Abu Diab is a prominent Palestinian community activist and spokesperson for the Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan, East Jerusalem. He highlights the personal and collective struggle of Palestinians facing home demolitions and displacement, the loss of personal history, the political nature of displacement, and his commitment to non-violent resistance
Fakhri’s family have experienced two home demolitions. He is featured in this Guardian article published on 16 May 2026. He is supported by the Jahalin Solidarity Campaign.
Moneer Marjeieh is a Palestinian legal researcher and human rights advocate based in East Jerusalem. He is best known for his work with the Al- Quds University Community Action Center (CAC) where he serves as the International Advocacy Coordinator. The CAC is located within the heart of in Jerusalem’s Old City. It provides support to Palestinians to access their rights and negotiate the complex bureaucratic procedures that they face under the Israeli authorities. CAC attempts to empower communities as they face violence and discrimination.