Settler group seizes two apartments in Silwan, displacing Palestinian family

A settler organisation has taken control of two apartments in the Batn al-Hawa neighbourhood of Silwan, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque, displacing a Palestinian family, according to local sources.

The apartments belonged to Jerusalemite brothers Raed Basbous and Muhammad Basbous, and were seized by the Ateret Cohanim association, which claims the land is historically owned by Jews of Yemeni origin.

The operation resulted in the forced displacement of 10 family members, who were removed from their homes.

Witnesses said settlers, accompanied by Israeli forces, entered the building — which contains four residential units — changed the locks, and installed metal fixtures on the windows, effectively taking control of the property.

The incident is part of ongoing tensions in Batn al-Hawa, where Palestinian residents have faced repeated eviction efforts over the years amid expanding settlement activity.

Ateret Cohanim is among the most prominent settler organisations operating in Jerusalem, focusing on increasing Jewish presence in Palestinian neighbourhoods, particularly in areas surrounding the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

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