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Tensions build in Jerusalem's Silwan neighborhood

A Jerusalem development plan calls for the demolition of 22 homes in the crowded Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan to make room for a park that would flank a promenade of restaurants, art studios and shops. Palestinians who live there say it is an Israeli ploy to evict them from the area.

Palestinian youths hold protest signs during a demonstration against a plan to raze 22 Palestinian homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan. The project is subject to two more votes in the Jerusalem district planning committee, a process that could take months.

June 25

Palestinian youths hold protest signs during a demonstration against a plan to raze 22 Palestinian homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan. The project is subject to two more votes in the Jerusalem district planning committee, a process that could take months.

Tara Todras-Whitehill-AP

A Palestinian boy walks in an alley in Silwan's al-Bustan quarter, the site of the proposed demolitions.

June 22

A Palestinian boy walks in an alley in Silwan's al-Bustan quarter, the site of the proposed demolitions.

Uriel Sinai-Getty Images

After the Jerusalem city planning committee approved the development, clashes erupted in Silwan between Palestinian youths and Israeli security forces.

June 25

After the Jerusalem city planning committee approved the development, clashes erupted in Silwan between Palestinian youths and Israeli security forces.

Ammar Awad-Reuters

Members of the Zieton family stand outside their home in Silwan's al-Bustan quarter. Although the area is zoned as an open area for public use, homes were built there in the 1990s because of overcrowding in Silwan.

June 22

Members of the Zieton family stand outside their home in Silwan's al-Bustan quarter. Although the area is zoned as an open area for public use, homes were built there in the 1990s because of overcrowding in Silwan.

Uriel Sinai-Getty Images

Women stand over al-Bustan, which in city brochures is called the King's Garden, a reference to traditions linking the area to gardens of the biblical King Solomon.

June 21

Women stand over al-Bustan, which in city brochures is called the King's Garden, a reference to traditions linking the area to gardens of the biblical King Solomon.

Ronen Zvulun-Reuters

A man stands in an alley in al-Bustan in the crowded Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan. A residents' committee drew up an alternative to the demolition plan that would preserve and legalize all the houses in the neighborhood while converting some into shops and restaurants, but Jerusalem's mayor rejected it as inadequate.

June 29

A man stands in an alley in al-Bustan in the crowded Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan. A residents' committee drew up an alternative to the demolition plan that would preserve and legalize all the houses in the neighborhood while converting some into shops and restaurants, but Jerusalem's mayor rejected it as inadequate.

Samuel Sockol-Washington Post

A girl walks near a wall painted with graffiti in al-Bustan. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat says the plan will improve services to residents, provide jobs and boost commerce. Palestinians say Israel is trying to cement control of another part of East Jerusalem.

June 21

A girl walks near a wall painted with graffiti in al-Bustan. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat says the plan will improve services to residents, provide jobs and boost commerce. Palestinians say Israel is trying to cement control of another part of East Jerusalem.

Ronen Zvulun-Reuters

A Palestinian boy sits on his rooftop in Silwan's al-Bustan quarter. A lawyer representing residents said the mayor's plan has leapfrogged the need for basic services in the ramshackle quarter.

June 22

A Palestinian boy sits on his rooftop in Silwan's al-Bustan quarter. A lawyer representing residents said the mayor's plan has leapfrogged the need for basic services in the ramshackle quarter.

Uriel Sinai-Getty Images

Palestinian children sit on a wall in Silwan. Jerusalem's mayor and his aides point out that under the development plan, 66 homes that were built without permits would be preserved -- 75 percent of the area's illegal structures -- and residents of the houses to be razed would be given permits to build new homes elsewhere in the neighborhood.

June 22

Palestinian children sit on a wall in Silwan. Jerusalem's mayor and his aides point out that under the development plan, 66 homes that were built without permits would be preserved -- 75 percent of the area's illegal structures -- and residents of the houses to be razed would be given permits to build new homes elsewhere in the neighborhood.

Tara Todras-Whitehill-AP

Gallery Credits:
Text Editor Beth Hughes

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This Story Tensions build in East Jerusalem Article \| JERUSALEM -- In a warren of cramped alleys in the crowded Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, a slogan scrawled on a wall warns: "Silwan is in danger." Tensions build in Jerusalem's Silwan neighborhood		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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