Israeli Civil Administration Demolishes Palestinian Structures in Masafer Yatta

The Israeli Civil Administration demolished structures in the Palestinian village of Khirbet al-Tabban, located in Masafer Yatta in the southern Hebron Hills, on Wednesday. Israeli forces stated the structures were erected in a military firing zone without building permits. Residents reported that the demolition included homes, storage facilities, water wells, sheep pens, and even caves used for shelter, affecting approximately 70 people from 12 families, including 28 children.

Palestinian residents described the demolition as total, with nothing left standing. "They didn't leave a room, a sheep pen, a water network, or an electricity network. They even destroyed the water wells. We are now left in the open air," said resident Falah Hamad. Another resident, Mohammed Hamadeh, stated, "This was the destruction of the entire village: caves, rooms, wells, service units, and sheep pens."

The area, known as Firing Zone 918, spans about 35,000 dunams and is home to around 12 Palestinian communities. Israel declared the area a firing zone for training purposes in the early 1980s. Despite years of legal challenges by residents seeking to prevent their eviction, Israel's Supreme Court rejected petitions in May 2022, permitting the demolitions.

Security officials emphasized that building in a firing zone without permits is illegal and that the Civil Administration is obligated to enforce demolition orders. However, human rights organizations and Palestinian residents argue that this enforcement is discriminatory and aims to displace communities, a claim denied by security sources. The Civil Administration reiterated that the demolished structures were built in violation of a construction ban.

The operation involved four bulldozers and approximately ten military vehicles from the IDF and Border Police. The IDF stated that it, along with the Civil Administration and all security bodies, will continue to operate to strengthen security and maintain order in Judea and Samaria, focusing on enforcing against structures that harm the region's security and stability.