Israel Demolishes Palestinian Structures in West Bank and Jerusalem

Israeli authorities carried out widespread demolitions of Palestinian homes and structures in various areas of the West Bank and East Jerusalem on Wednesday, citing unlicensed construction as the reason. Simultaneously, demolition and eviction notices were distributed for dozens of other structures. Operations were concentrated in Masafer Yatta, Jenin, and Jerusalem.

In the Jenin governorate, Israeli bulldozers demolished residential and agricultural structures in the Ras al-Taweel area of the village of Aba, southeast of the city. These included four horse stables, greenhouses, sheep pens, a house under construction, a wall, and two agricultural rooms. Local sources reported that Israeli forces entered the area in the morning and began demolitions a week after owners received demolition notices.

In Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, Israeli bulldozers began demolishing and leveling Palestinian homes and structures in the village of Jinba, affecting approximately ten homes and structures, including homes belonging to the Al-Yatim family. These demolitions are part of ongoing measures against Masafer Yatta residents, which include home demolitions, notices, and attacks, amid declarations of large areas as firing zones, leading to restrictions on construction, grazing, and land access.

In Jerusalem, Israeli vehicles demolished sheet metal industrial structures belonging to Palestinians in the town of Jaba, northeast of the city, which had previously received demolition notices for unlicensed construction. The vehicles also leveled surrounding land and uprooted trees and crops.

These actions are part of a policy targeting Palestinian homes and structures in the West Bank and Jerusalem, including agricultural and pastoral facilities vital for residents in Area C. According to data from the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Israeli forces and settlers carried out 2,030 attacks against Palestinians, their land, and property in the West Bank and Jerusalem during August. These attacks included the demolition of 155 structures, such as 47 inhabited homes and 8 uninhabited dwellings, 33 livelihood structures, and 61 agricultural structures. Additionally, approximately 1,629 dunams were seized, orders were issued targeting over 423 dunams, and there were attempts to establish 32 new settlement outposts.