Bedouin Village Faces Demolition, Residents Prepare for Tent Living
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Residents of the Bedouin village of Dhiya, north of Rahat, are watching their homes being demolished, with one resident comparing the scene to the Nakba. Approximately 75 homes and 420 people are affected by the ongoing destruction, which began with the village mosque. Families are preparing to live in tents after losing their homes, facing an uncertain future amid a large security presence.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dozens of homes in the Bedouin village of Dhiya, north of Rahat, are being demolished.
- An estimated 75 homes are targeted, affecting around 420 residents.
- A resident described the demolition scene as reminiscent of the Nakba.
- Families are preparing to live in tents due to the loss of their homes.
- A significant security force, including police and border guards, is present at the site.
Residents of the Bedouin village of Dhiya, north of Rahat, are witnessing the demolition of their homes, with one resident describing the scene as reminiscent of the Nakba. Salameh Abu Khurma, a local resident, stated that dozens of homes are being destroyed, estimating around 75 houses and affecting approximately 420 people. The demolitions reportedly began with the village mosque before extending to residences, threatening the community's existence and leaving families uncertain about their future.
Abu Khurma described a harsh scene with bulldozers and heavy machinery tearing down homes while residents watched in distress. He noted a significant security presence, including thousands of police officers and border guards, along with about 12 bulldozers. One affected family, the Abu Wadi clan, had evacuated their homes and moved their belongings in preparation for the demolition.
Residents are attempting to avoid confrontation with security forces to prevent arrests or escalation, despite the emotional toll of watching their homes destroyed. The threat extends to other homes in the area, which also face demolition orders, creating a constant state of anxiety.
Following the demolitions and the withdrawal of forces, families are preparing to erect tents to live in, as no alternative housing options are available. Abu Khurma, a 51-year-old lifelong resident, emphasized that these actions threaten the stability and connection to their land for families who have lived there for decades. He also criticized the lack of Arab political and media presence at the demolition site, contrasting it with the presence of Jewish journalists.
Dhiya village is administratively part of the Bnei Shimon Regional Council, despite its proximity to Rahat, and is not within the city's municipal boundaries. Abu Khurma concluded by expressing sorrow over the situation, highlighting the harsh reality faced by displaced families and the ongoing fear of further demolitions.
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