Israeli guards protecting settlers to occupy Palestinian properties and homes

Israeli forces detained three residents of the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday.

As Israeli forces fanned out around the area, six homes were declared military posts, with families either confined to the space or told to evacuate. One family reported damage to the roof of their home as heavy Israeli military equipment and several personnel arrived on top of the building, causing a minor collapse.

The area, where Israeli officials recently declared 22 homes would be demolished so a tourist center could be established, has been the site of recent clashes, which residents say were sparked by aggressive behavior of settlers who have moved into Palestinian family homes and the Israeli guards protecting them.