In Jerusalem’s Al-Bustan neighborhood, located beneath the Old City walls, Palestinian residents are being compelled to demolish their own homes to avoid heavy fines imposed by Israeli authorities. The demolitions are part of Israel’s broader effort to give occupied East Jerusalem a distinctly Jewish identity. The planned 'King’s Garden' biblical theme park will be built on the site, which Israeli officials claim was once linked to King Solomon’s era.

According to residents, more than 57 houses have already been demolished in the past two years, with at least eight more marked for destruction. Community members describe the process as emotionally devastating and financially punishing, with some still paying monthly fines to the municipality. Local organization Ir Amim criticized the project as an attempt to erase Palestinians from the city’s geography and history.

The Jerusalem Municipality maintains that the homes were illegally built and that the park will benefit all residents. Palestinian leaders argue that building permits are routinely denied to them while Jewish settlements continue to expand, leaving families homeless and children facing an uncertain future.