Israeli Forces Demolish Homes in Negev, Leaving 400 Displaced

Israeli bulldozers demolished approximately 80 homes and buildings in the village of Al-Dahia, near Rahat in the Negev, leaving around 400 residents, including children, women, and the elderly, without shelter. The demolitions, which began Monday with the Khaled ibn al-Walid mosque, were carried out under the pretext of unlicensed construction, based on a court order. Residents assert they have lived on the land for centuries and that the unrecognized village is being destroyed, drawing comparisons to the devastation in Gaza.

Residents described facing harsh living conditions in the open, lacking basic facilities like bathing. Ahmed Abu Wadi, whose home was demolished, stated, "The village has become like what is happening in Gaza." He added that despite legal challenges, the authorities' goal was to displace them. He emphasized the importance of unity among residents in the face of such actions.

Salem Abu Wadi, another resident, highlighted that the land was inherited from ancestors who lived there for hundreds of years, predating the Ottoman era. He criticized the government's actions as racist and aimed at expelling Arabs to establish Jewish settlements. He called for the village to be incorporated into Rahat's municipal jurisdiction to allow for legal construction.

Eid Abu Wadi noted that his family has resided in the area for over 200 years and expressed the extreme difficulty of their situation, especially with winter approaching. He argued that the demolitions reflect the Israeli government's policy towards Arab citizens, asserting that democracy is only for Jews.

Talal Al-Qarnawi, the Mayor of Rahat, condemned the demolitions as a "disaster and a black day," stating that the destruction of 80 homes left about 400 people homeless. He pledged to work to keep the families in their land, noting an agreement to incorporate the area into Rahat, which was opposed by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Bedouin Settlement Authority. Al-Qarnawi called for immediate support for the affected families and urged organizations to provide tents, enabling them to remain on their land.