The Palestinian town of Al-Eizariya, located near Jerusalem, is experiencing a wave of demolition and evacuation orders targeting homes and businesses. Local residents directly connect this intensified campaign to Israel's recent approval of the massive E1 settlement project in the West Bank.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis in Biblical Town
Yahya Abu Ghaliyeh, a 37-year-old resident, represents the human cost of this development. Earlier this year, Israeli authorities demolished his home in Al-Eizariya. Now, his car wash business faces the same fate. "This is a project of total destruction for the economy and the people. It will affect everyone," Abu Ghaliyeh stated, capturing the community's despair.
Official Israeli documents claim the structures targeted for demolition were built without proper permits. However, Palestinian residents counter that obtaining such permits from Israeli authorities is nearly impossible. Israel has maintained military occupation of the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War.
The E1 Settlement Project: An Existential Threat
In August, Israel gave final approval to the E1 plan, one of the largest settlement projects ever authorized in the West Bank. The project aims to construct approximately 3,400 housing units across 12 square kilometers east of Jerusalem.
This massive development will physically connect Jerusalem with Maale Adumim, one of Israel's largest settlements in Palestinian territory. The United Nations has expressed grave concerns, with the UN chief's spokesman warning the E1 plan poses an "existential threat" to the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state.
The implementation of E1 would further separate predominantly Palestinian East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank. East Jerusalem has been occupied and annexed by Israel, though this move lacks international recognition.
Economic and Cultural Impact on Historic Community
Al-Eizariya, also known as Bethany, holds significant religious importance as the site of the Tomb and Church of Lazarus. According to Mayor Khalil Abu Rish, these holy sites attract approximately half a million tourists annually, representing a crucial economic lifeline for the community.
The current wave of demolitions threatens not only homes and businesses but also the economic stability of a town that depends heavily on religious tourism. Residents fear the E1 settlement project will permanently alter the demographic and geographic landscape, undermining their future prospects.
International leaders have condemned Israel's settlement expansion, citing violations of international law. Meanwhile, Palestinian families in Al-Eizariya continue to receive demolition notices, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear throughout the community.
