Fire Destroys 15 Homes in West Bank's Givat Gilad, Leaving 113 Homeless
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
A large fire in the West Bank settlement of Givat Gilad destroyed 15 homes and left 113 people homeless. Two Palestinians were arrested on suspicion of causing the fire, which residents believe was deliberate. Local leaders are calling for swift government aid to rebuild the community.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A fire destroyed 15 homes and partially damaged 10 more in Givat Gilad, leaving 113 homeless.
- Two Palestinians were arrested on suspicion of causing the fire by discarding a cigarette.
- Residents lost homes, businesses, and personal belongings, with some homes burning twice in 15 years.
- Fundraising and support efforts began immediately to provide housing and aid to affected families.
- Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan demands official recognition of arson to speed recovery.
- Residents remain hopeful and determined to rebuild despite the extensive damage.
A massive fire swept through the West Bank settlement of Givat Gilad (Havat Gilad) in the Shomron region, completely destroying 15 homes and partially damaging about 10 others, leaving 113 residents homeless. The fire began Friday evening near the nearby settlement of Kedumim and spread to Givat Gilad by Saturday afternoon. Residents immediately began fundraising efforts to provide housing, financial aid, and psychological support for those affected.
Bati Breuer, a resident whose family home burned down for the second time in 15 years, described the ordeal. She recounted how her children helped fight the fire near Kedumim before the flames reached their home. She said, "At 3:40 p.m., our house was already on fire," and added that despite losing all their belongings, including her midwifery equipment, the family is grateful no one was harmed. Other residents, like Ishai Levi, lost their homes and local businesses, including his wooden jewelry studio, which was destroyed just as he was preparing for a major sales campaign.
Authorities arrested two Palestinians suspected of causing the fire by discarding a cigarette, but residents believe the fire was deliberately set. Breuer expressed confidence that the truth will emerge despite police caution to avoid escalating tensions. Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, called for official recognition that the fire was arson to expedite rebuilding efforts. He urged the Israeli government to immediately restore infrastructure and homes and promised that Givat Gilad would recover and grow stronger with its resilient community and Zionist spirit.
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