8 apr 2014
An Israeli court has accepted a petition to freeze administrative demolition orders of three houses belong to the Assaf family in Dahmash village in Lod Valley regional council in central Israel.
The petition was submitted by a lawyer representing the owners and the Arab Center for Alternative Planning.
Israeli police informed the families their houses would be demolished in days without a prior warning. However, the orders were not executed thanks to a magistrate court decision to freeze the orders until further notice.
Dahmash is the only Arab village within the Lod Valley regional council. The villagers have been fighting for their village to be recognized in order for them to live safely. However, the regional council has demolished many houses under inappropriate pretexts, according to locals.
Moreover, the regional council attempted to annex the village to Lod, but a committee to study borders, appointed by the ministry of interior, considered the locals’ arguments and declined the annexation request. The village remained within the region.
The committee recommended that an Israeli central court reexamine the village’s structural plan and reconsider the population’s request to recognize Dahmash as an independent village within the borders of Lod Valley regional council.
Lawyer Qais Nasser says that “instead of taking into account the committee’s recommendations, the regional committee orders to demolish three houses. The house owners build them without a construction license because the Israeli authorities did not provide them with the correct structure plans. In addition, the authorities rejected the plans that the locals provided them with.”
The court is expected to set a hearing to listen to the opposing arguments.
The petition was submitted by a lawyer representing the owners and the Arab Center for Alternative Planning.
Israeli police informed the families their houses would be demolished in days without a prior warning. However, the orders were not executed thanks to a magistrate court decision to freeze the orders until further notice.
Dahmash is the only Arab village within the Lod Valley regional council. The villagers have been fighting for their village to be recognized in order for them to live safely. However, the regional council has demolished many houses under inappropriate pretexts, according to locals.
Moreover, the regional council attempted to annex the village to Lod, but a committee to study borders, appointed by the ministry of interior, considered the locals’ arguments and declined the annexation request. The village remained within the region.
The committee recommended that an Israeli central court reexamine the village’s structural plan and reconsider the population’s request to recognize Dahmash as an independent village within the borders of Lod Valley regional council.
Lawyer Qais Nasser says that “instead of taking into account the committee’s recommendations, the regional committee orders to demolish three houses. The house owners build them without a construction license because the Israeli authorities did not provide them with the correct structure plans. In addition, the authorities rejected the plans that the locals provided them with.”
The court is expected to set a hearing to listen to the opposing arguments.
Ezbet Tabib hamlet in Qalqilya province has been subjected to repeated Israeli attempts to wipe it off the map, where 35 homes out of 45 Palestinian homes in the hamlet were notified with demolition in favor of settlement expansion. The hamlet’s residents organize daily events and vigils in face of Israeli schemes targeting Palestinian presence in the hamlet.
Head of the village council Bayan Tabib said that after long years the Israeli Supreme Planning Council has issued on Monday a master plan for the hamlet that will be subjected to contests for 60 days.
He stressed the importance of such a decision that will provide legal recognition to the hamlet, and therefore could be used to submit appeals against Israeli demolition notifications.
He added that although the master plan does not cover the entire hamlet’s area, however it can be used to protect the rest of the hamlet’s lands and homes.
The activist Mohammed Tabib, for his part, recalled that 45% of the hamlet’s land was confiscated in 2003 in favor of the Israeli Apartheid Wall.
35 out of 45 homes in the village, in which 247 people live, in addition to a school, a clinic, and the Hamlet’s council headquarters are threatened with confiscation, he said.
The hamlet is considered the fifth poorest community in the West Bank according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
The hamlet reels under harsh Israeli restrictions along with dozens of Palestinian villages located behind the Apartheid Wall, where its residents are prevented to leave or have access to the hamlet without Israeli permit.
He stressed that the hamlet’s residents are determined to defend their lands in face of Israeli deportation policies.
Head of the village council Bayan Tabib said that after long years the Israeli Supreme Planning Council has issued on Monday a master plan for the hamlet that will be subjected to contests for 60 days.
He stressed the importance of such a decision that will provide legal recognition to the hamlet, and therefore could be used to submit appeals against Israeli demolition notifications.
He added that although the master plan does not cover the entire hamlet’s area, however it can be used to protect the rest of the hamlet’s lands and homes.
The activist Mohammed Tabib, for his part, recalled that 45% of the hamlet’s land was confiscated in 2003 in favor of the Israeli Apartheid Wall.
35 out of 45 homes in the village, in which 247 people live, in addition to a school, a clinic, and the Hamlet’s council headquarters are threatened with confiscation, he said.
The hamlet is considered the fifth poorest community in the West Bank according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
The hamlet reels under harsh Israeli restrictions along with dozens of Palestinian villages located behind the Apartheid Wall, where its residents are prevented to leave or have access to the hamlet without Israeli permit.
He stressed that the hamlet’s residents are determined to defend their lands in face of Israeli deportation policies.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested three Palestinians in al-Khalil and Bethlehem, including a leader in the Islamic Jihad movement, and demolished Palestinian agricultural facilities and stormed Palestinian buildings. Local sources confirmed that the occupation forces raided at dawn Tuesday Palestinian homes in al-Khalil's Old Town, and arrested two Palestinians before transferring them to an unknown destination.
On the other hand, three Israeli patrols raided and searched the Islamic Charitable Society in al-Khalil city.
In a related context, Israeli forces stormed Tuesday al-Khalil University, southern al-Khalil city, where they arrested and served summonses to a number of students.
Eyewitnesses told PIC reporter said that Israeli patrols raided the university neighborhood and broke into al-Khalil University's entrance, where they searched the students and checked their identity cards and served summonses to some of them.
The sources added that PA security forces left the area at arrival of the IOF soldiers despite being located in area A under PA control according to Oslo Accords.
On the other hand, Israeli bulldozers demolished this morning agricultural facilities, and water well in Farsh al-Hawa area in the city under the pretext of being established without permit in a closed military zone.
In Bethlehem, Israeli forces arrested at dawn today the leader in the Islamic Jihad movement Khalil Musa Zawahra, 45, who spent ten years in Israeli jails before his release six months ago.
Israeli troops also raided al-Ihssan Medical Association headquarters and blew up its front door. Computers and a set of files and documents were confiscated during the raid.
On the other hand, three Israeli patrols raided and searched the Islamic Charitable Society in al-Khalil city.
In a related context, Israeli forces stormed Tuesday al-Khalil University, southern al-Khalil city, where they arrested and served summonses to a number of students.
Eyewitnesses told PIC reporter said that Israeli patrols raided the university neighborhood and broke into al-Khalil University's entrance, where they searched the students and checked their identity cards and served summonses to some of them.
The sources added that PA security forces left the area at arrival of the IOF soldiers despite being located in area A under PA control according to Oslo Accords.
On the other hand, Israeli bulldozers demolished this morning agricultural facilities, and water well in Farsh al-Hawa area in the city under the pretext of being established without permit in a closed military zone.
In Bethlehem, Israeli forces arrested at dawn today the leader in the Islamic Jihad movement Khalil Musa Zawahra, 45, who spent ten years in Israeli jails before his release six months ago.
Israeli troops also raided al-Ihssan Medical Association headquarters and blew up its front door. Computers and a set of files and documents were confiscated during the raid.
Israeli soldiers have stolen a large amount of money and jewelry from a Palestinian home in Idna town southern al-Khalil in occupied West Bank. Israeli occupation forces have stormed last night citizen Jaber Al-Tameezi's home in Idna town and forced his family to stay out for long hours while they searched the home. Shortly after Israeli forces' withdrawal, the family discovered that large amount of money and jewelry were stolen, Palestinian security sources told Quds Press.
The sources pointed out that Al-Tameezi filed a formal complaint in which he charged Israeli soldiers with stealing a sum of money and checks estimated at 150 thousand shekels (about 43 thousand dollars) and 200 grams of gold jewelry.
The Israeli forces have also detained Al-Tameezi's wife for hours and arrested his brother, the lawyer Tariq Al-Tameezi, and took him to an unknown destination.
The sources pointed out that Al-Tameezi filed a formal complaint in which he charged Israeli soldiers with stealing a sum of money and checks estimated at 150 thousand shekels (about 43 thousand dollars) and 200 grams of gold jewelry.
The Israeli forces have also detained Al-Tameezi's wife for hours and arrested his brother, the lawyer Tariq Al-Tameezi, and took him to an unknown destination.
The Israeli Occupation Forces handed notices to two Palestinian citizens to demolish their houses under the pretext of building with no permits in al-Walaga village in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Head of Al- Walga's village council, Abdulrahman Abu al-Teen, said the Israeli occupation handed summons to destroy Nidal's Shoqearat and Mohanad's Hagagila houses, claiming the area is under the control of the Israeli sovereignty.
Ein Jwiza town witnesses recently an escalation of the number of demolition orders to Palestinian houses
IOA threatens two Palestinians to raze their homes in Walaja village
Ein Jwiza town witnesses recently an escalation of the number of demolition orders to Palestinian houses
IOA threatens two Palestinians to raze their homes in Walaja village
During previous demolitions in Walaja village, Palestinian home owners have been beaten and arrested
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) notified two Palestinian property owners of its intention to demolish two of their homes in Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem city, at the pretext of unlicensed construction. Municipal chief of the village Abdul-Rahman Abu-Attin reported that the two houses threatened with demolition are located in Ein Juwaiza area, west of the village, and belong to Nidal Shukairat and Muhannad Hajajela.
Abu-Attin noted that the IOA had demolished several Palestinian homes in the village over the past few years and lately issued demolition orders against seven houses, but the owners were able to extract a court verdict freezing the orders.
Abu-Attin appealed to human rights groups and concerned decision-makers around the world to intervene and halt Israel's arbitrary measures against Walaja villagers and their property.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) notified two Palestinian property owners of its intention to demolish two of their homes in Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem city, at the pretext of unlicensed construction. Municipal chief of the village Abdul-Rahman Abu-Attin reported that the two houses threatened with demolition are located in Ein Juwaiza area, west of the village, and belong to Nidal Shukairat and Muhannad Hajajela.
Abu-Attin noted that the IOA had demolished several Palestinian homes in the village over the past few years and lately issued demolition orders against seven houses, but the owners were able to extract a court verdict freezing the orders.
Abu-Attin appealed to human rights groups and concerned decision-makers around the world to intervene and halt Israel's arbitrary measures against Walaja villagers and their property.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) destroyed Tuesday several water wells and agricultural facilities in the West Bank city of Hebron. Witnesses said that Israeli military bulldozers, backed with several soldiers, demolished water wells, tents, and agricultural facilities belonging to Palestinian citizens from al-Dweak, al-Yazoori, and Abu- Hamdiya families after storming Farsh al-Hawa area in Hebron.
The IOF routinely carries out violations against the Palestinian citizens in the West Bank villages. The forces raze their agricultural lands and steal its bounties for the favor of the Israeli settlements.
The IOF routinely carries out violations against the Palestinian citizens in the West Bank villages. The forces raze their agricultural lands and steal its bounties for the favor of the Israeli settlements.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Tuesday at dawn 17 Palestinian citizens, including a woman, after storming several West Bank cities and towns. Local sources said that the IOF arrested lawyer Tariq al-Tamizi,27,and his sister in law Mona al-tamizi,34, after ransacking their houses and inspecting them in Ethna town to the west of Hebron.
The IOF stole the gold safe, amounts of money, and bank checks from the house. They damaged the house’s contents, destroyed properties and unhinged doors. Moreover, they damaged an agricultural barrack.
The forces stormed Selwad village, east of Ramallah, and arrested seven Palestinians: Ayyoub Khader, Tariq Hamid, Mostafa Abdulra'ouf, Salah al-Natoor, Ramzy Zaghloul, and Lotfi Hamed. The arrests led to violent clashes between the IOF and dozens of Palestinian youths.
The forces handed Ziyad Sh’eabat, 45, a summon to meet Israeli intelligence in Gush Etzion, south of Bethlehem, Local sources said.
The IOF arrested Khaleel Faregat, 21, and Ramzy al-Ga'bari, 28, and searched several houses in Beit Ummar and Beit Awwa villages in Hebron, local sources said.
In Nablus, the IOF arrested Malik Eshteeh,21, Ala'a Edeali, 20, Mohammed Edeali, 23, Azzam Edeali,21, and Mazin Edeali, 16, from Tal and Osreen villages.
Israeli occupation forces routinely carry out arrest raids in the West Bank. Around 40 percent of Palestinian men living in the occupied territories have been detained by Israel at some point in their lives.
The IOF stole the gold safe, amounts of money, and bank checks from the house. They damaged the house’s contents, destroyed properties and unhinged doors. Moreover, they damaged an agricultural barrack.
The forces stormed Selwad village, east of Ramallah, and arrested seven Palestinians: Ayyoub Khader, Tariq Hamid, Mostafa Abdulra'ouf, Salah al-Natoor, Ramzy Zaghloul, and Lotfi Hamed. The arrests led to violent clashes between the IOF and dozens of Palestinian youths.
The forces handed Ziyad Sh’eabat, 45, a summon to meet Israeli intelligence in Gush Etzion, south of Bethlehem, Local sources said.
The IOF arrested Khaleel Faregat, 21, and Ramzy al-Ga'bari, 28, and searched several houses in Beit Ummar and Beit Awwa villages in Hebron, local sources said.
In Nablus, the IOF arrested Malik Eshteeh,21, Ala'a Edeali, 20, Mohammed Edeali, 23, Azzam Edeali,21, and Mazin Edeali, 16, from Tal and Osreen villages.
Israeli occupation forces routinely carry out arrest raids in the West Bank. Around 40 percent of Palestinian men living in the occupied territories have been detained by Israel at some point in their lives.
7 apr 2014
Israeli bulldozers demolished a steel structure and soldiers confiscated 200 tons of wood in northern West Bank villages early Monday, Palestinian security sources said.
The sources told Ma'an that several Israeli vehicles stormed the village of Bartaa al-Sharqiya west of Jenin and demolished a steel structure owned by Muhammad Ibrahim Qabaha.
Israeli forces also ransacked a garage owned by local resident Walid Wakid.
Meanwhile, in the nearby village of Zabda, Israeli troops raided a charcoal factory belonging to Nour and Khaled Ibrahim Amarnah and confiscated 200 tons of wood.
An Israeli army spokeswoman did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Israel rarely grants Palestinians permits to build in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It has demolished at least 27,000 Palestinian homes and structures since occupying the West Bank in 1967, according to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.
Israel destroyed more than 663 Palestinian properties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2013, displacing 1,101 people, according to UNOCHA. Around 241 more people have been displaced just since the beginning of 2014.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
IOF Demolishes Barracks, Delivers Demolition Notice near Jenin
Israeli bulldozers on Monday demolished a barracks and handed a Palestinian citizen a demolition notice against his garage in the village of Burtu'a located near the Israeli apartheid wall in Jenin.
Palestinian media sources reported that the IOF troops handed the citizen Waleed Kayed a demolition notice against his garage, under the pretext of "building without license"
Tawfeeq Qabha, member of the Burtu'a Village Council, said that Israeli bulldozers demolished a barracks belonging to Mohammed Ibrahim Qabha, and announced the village a closed military area.
Israeli demolition notifications in Jenin
Israeli occupation forces have escorted military bulldozers Monday morning into Barta'a town located behind the Apartheid Wall in Jenin and demolished a Palestinian facility, in addition to notifying another with demolition within few days. Tawfiq Qabha, member of the Barta'a village council, told the PIC reporter that Israeli bulldozers have demolished a factory belonging to Mohammed Ibrahim Qabha under the pretext of being built without permit in a military area.
The sources added that the occupation forces are deliberately targeting commercial and industrial shops in Barta'a town to persecute its citizens and damage its commercial market.
IOF also notified an automobile repair shop of demolition in a few days after confiscation its equipment estimated at thousands of shekels.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers stormed Monday morning Almashehr area near Yabad town in Jenin and confiscated 200 tons of wood before handing a demolition notification to a coal plant in the region under the pretext of being located in area C under Israeli full control.
The sources told Ma'an that several Israeli vehicles stormed the village of Bartaa al-Sharqiya west of Jenin and demolished a steel structure owned by Muhammad Ibrahim Qabaha.
Israeli forces also ransacked a garage owned by local resident Walid Wakid.
Meanwhile, in the nearby village of Zabda, Israeli troops raided a charcoal factory belonging to Nour and Khaled Ibrahim Amarnah and confiscated 200 tons of wood.
An Israeli army spokeswoman did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Israel rarely grants Palestinians permits to build in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It has demolished at least 27,000 Palestinian homes and structures since occupying the West Bank in 1967, according to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.
Israel destroyed more than 663 Palestinian properties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2013, displacing 1,101 people, according to UNOCHA. Around 241 more people have been displaced just since the beginning of 2014.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
IOF Demolishes Barracks, Delivers Demolition Notice near Jenin
Israeli bulldozers on Monday demolished a barracks and handed a Palestinian citizen a demolition notice against his garage in the village of Burtu'a located near the Israeli apartheid wall in Jenin.
Palestinian media sources reported that the IOF troops handed the citizen Waleed Kayed a demolition notice against his garage, under the pretext of "building without license"
Tawfeeq Qabha, member of the Burtu'a Village Council, said that Israeli bulldozers demolished a barracks belonging to Mohammed Ibrahim Qabha, and announced the village a closed military area.
Israeli demolition notifications in Jenin
Israeli occupation forces have escorted military bulldozers Monday morning into Barta'a town located behind the Apartheid Wall in Jenin and demolished a Palestinian facility, in addition to notifying another with demolition within few days. Tawfiq Qabha, member of the Barta'a village council, told the PIC reporter that Israeli bulldozers have demolished a factory belonging to Mohammed Ibrahim Qabha under the pretext of being built without permit in a military area.
The sources added that the occupation forces are deliberately targeting commercial and industrial shops in Barta'a town to persecute its citizens and damage its commercial market.
IOF also notified an automobile repair shop of demolition in a few days after confiscation its equipment estimated at thousands of shekels.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers stormed Monday morning Almashehr area near Yabad town in Jenin and confiscated 200 tons of wood before handing a demolition notification to a coal plant in the region under the pretext of being located in area C under Israeli full control.
A Palestinian settlement-research center has revealed that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) is planning to confiscate 800 dunums of Qaryout village land, east of Nablus city, to expand the nearby Shilo settlement.
The Palestinian Land Research Center, which makes part of the Arabic Studies Society, said a detailed plan was submitted last month by Israeli local settlement communities as an amendment procedure to the regional plan (S/15).
According to the new scheme, the territories grouped under the touristic and agricultural heading will be used for commercial profit, in addition to the projected building of an archetypal park in which relics would be on the display.
The center spoke against the plan, denouncing its hidden aim to block all possibilities of re-opening the southern Qaryout road which has long been ensuring the smooth entry into Ramallah city, sparing passengers more than 20 kms. The plan will make matters worse for the natives already exhausted by settlement policies, according to the report.
The plan aims at changing Khirbet Ceylon’s historical idiosyncrasy and the construction of an Israeli museum as part of the ongoing judaization plans within the village. The near inauguration of a touristic center in the area is a living proof of this. The situation is becoming alarming. Ceylon has long been such an architectural wonder that preserves so many of the flavors and tastes of its idiosyncratic history where several epochs and civilizations have converged. The village is most famous for the ancient breath-taking Omari Mosque and two spectacular Romanian mosaic churches.
Shilo settlement was established in the early 80’s and it includes several religious centers and a synagogue to teach the Torah and promote some of the most extremist rabbis. At least 450 dunums of Qaryout lands are confiscated.
The Palestinian Land Research Center, which makes part of the Arabic Studies Society, said a detailed plan was submitted last month by Israeli local settlement communities as an amendment procedure to the regional plan (S/15).
According to the new scheme, the territories grouped under the touristic and agricultural heading will be used for commercial profit, in addition to the projected building of an archetypal park in which relics would be on the display.
The center spoke against the plan, denouncing its hidden aim to block all possibilities of re-opening the southern Qaryout road which has long been ensuring the smooth entry into Ramallah city, sparing passengers more than 20 kms. The plan will make matters worse for the natives already exhausted by settlement policies, according to the report.
The plan aims at changing Khirbet Ceylon’s historical idiosyncrasy and the construction of an Israeli museum as part of the ongoing judaization plans within the village. The near inauguration of a touristic center in the area is a living proof of this. The situation is becoming alarming. Ceylon has long been such an architectural wonder that preserves so many of the flavors and tastes of its idiosyncratic history where several epochs and civilizations have converged. The village is most famous for the ancient breath-taking Omari Mosque and two spectacular Romanian mosaic churches.
Shilo settlement was established in the early 80’s and it includes several religious centers and a synagogue to teach the Torah and promote some of the most extremist rabbis. At least 450 dunums of Qaryout lands are confiscated.
6 apr 2014
By PIC Team
The Almond tree is now barely breathing south of the Gaza Strip due to the bullets fired by Israeli occupation forces (IOF) from adjacent military barracks. Paradoxically enough, the tree’s last breath is taken away as its flowers are unable to blossom because of IOF uninterrupted shootings.
An unusual silence engulfs the area and a wind, carrying bad omens, hangs over the place, foretelling an awaited tragedy that is due to contaminate the military-controlled border fence.
The Almond tree is forced out of the border’s military sites due to the brutal uprootedness-processes so frequently executed by IOF on several lands during Al-Intifada. Other geo-economic factors were also decisive in dislodging the Almond tree from its native soils.
Persistent as the tree has always, literally and symbolically, been, it has never ceased to find a new home where it can set up its roots in other regions of Khan Younis, south of Gaza Strip, seeking out fertile soil and fresh water in its eternal quest for survival.
The overall area of green almonds has reached 735 dunums with a yearly production that has gone up to 642 tons.
Old Products
During lunch-break farmer Abdullah Suleiman, 58, said while sipping his Arabic coffee in a modest room crammed with agricultural equipment: “Abu Ajin has been historically famous for planting local Almond trees. The tree’s prominence stems from its quasi self-reliant nature occasionally nourished by rainwater. The Almond tree’s willingness to survive for decades is just amazing.”
Suleiman added as he wiped his sweating forehead: “The growing of almonds has declined due to several reasons most notably the occupation’s conscious and subconscious attempts to obliterate its existence, particularly near the borders, as if by doing so they seemed to concretize part of their de-historicization plans. The tree was the sole source of life to dozens of farmers. I myself had more than 40 dunums uprooted in 2004 by Israeli bulldozers which deracinated other fruitful almond trees in two other neighboring orchards. For native inhabitants the tree has not only been the sole source of life, but for many of us it represented life itself.
A Story of My Own
A friend gave me a lift via a motorcycle to Abu Glebiya orchard where silence, occasionally interspersed with bird whistles, overwhelmed the area. Hadj Abou Jribane whom we found lying on the grass under an almond tree drinking a cup of tea, voiced his sorrow as follows:
“We’ve been nurturing Almond trees for years now. It has never been a source of exhaustion to local farmers.” The old man added while cracking some dry almonds with a wooden stick as if he were letting out a suppressed anger: “These were the only local almonds in occupied Palestine until new American almonds, bigger in size but weaker in productivity rates, appeared in the aftermath of 67 years of occupation.”
The tree has been the farmer’s 40-year companion denoting an eternal love story that has been enthralling the man for years.
The Almond tree falls apart
As I headed toward the east, I met Haj Suleiman Samiri, 70, nicknamed the "home" for his astounding ability to tell of the city’s tales in minute details.
Haj Smiri who has just woken up from an afternoon nap told us, as he did many before us, that the Almond tree has been planted in the village for decades when it wasn't possible for Israeli occupation to reach our orchards. But now things have changed and Almond trees have either disappeared or, in the best of cases, replaced by other plants. Everybody knows what harm IOF has done to us.
Huge amounts of almonds used to be cultivated for local and external use. I myself had grown15 dunums of almond trees but in the aftermath of the Israeli occupation only one has remained! Today we can barely come across a single new Almond tree grown in the area.
PIC news reporter quoted Fathi Abu Shamala, head of Almonds Horticulture Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, as stating that such rainwater-dependent-trees are now threatened with extinction given the insufficient rainwater and lethal diseases contaminating the area along with the frequent brutal uprootedness procedures recurrently executed by the Israeli occupation forces.
Today most of the stories told by Almond tree farmers about the existential and historical value of the tree are characterized by mixed feelings of pride and regret, with the former designating the tree’s eternal quest for survival and the latter foreshadowing the tragedy of a tree that is due to perish as a result of the Israeli occupation’s practices.
The Almond tree is now barely breathing south of the Gaza Strip due to the bullets fired by Israeli occupation forces (IOF) from adjacent military barracks. Paradoxically enough, the tree’s last breath is taken away as its flowers are unable to blossom because of IOF uninterrupted shootings.
An unusual silence engulfs the area and a wind, carrying bad omens, hangs over the place, foretelling an awaited tragedy that is due to contaminate the military-controlled border fence.
The Almond tree is forced out of the border’s military sites due to the brutal uprootedness-processes so frequently executed by IOF on several lands during Al-Intifada. Other geo-economic factors were also decisive in dislodging the Almond tree from its native soils.
Persistent as the tree has always, literally and symbolically, been, it has never ceased to find a new home where it can set up its roots in other regions of Khan Younis, south of Gaza Strip, seeking out fertile soil and fresh water in its eternal quest for survival.
The overall area of green almonds has reached 735 dunums with a yearly production that has gone up to 642 tons.
Old Products
During lunch-break farmer Abdullah Suleiman, 58, said while sipping his Arabic coffee in a modest room crammed with agricultural equipment: “Abu Ajin has been historically famous for planting local Almond trees. The tree’s prominence stems from its quasi self-reliant nature occasionally nourished by rainwater. The Almond tree’s willingness to survive for decades is just amazing.”
Suleiman added as he wiped his sweating forehead: “The growing of almonds has declined due to several reasons most notably the occupation’s conscious and subconscious attempts to obliterate its existence, particularly near the borders, as if by doing so they seemed to concretize part of their de-historicization plans. The tree was the sole source of life to dozens of farmers. I myself had more than 40 dunums uprooted in 2004 by Israeli bulldozers which deracinated other fruitful almond trees in two other neighboring orchards. For native inhabitants the tree has not only been the sole source of life, but for many of us it represented life itself.
A Story of My Own
A friend gave me a lift via a motorcycle to Abu Glebiya orchard where silence, occasionally interspersed with bird whistles, overwhelmed the area. Hadj Abou Jribane whom we found lying on the grass under an almond tree drinking a cup of tea, voiced his sorrow as follows:
“We’ve been nurturing Almond trees for years now. It has never been a source of exhaustion to local farmers.” The old man added while cracking some dry almonds with a wooden stick as if he were letting out a suppressed anger: “These were the only local almonds in occupied Palestine until new American almonds, bigger in size but weaker in productivity rates, appeared in the aftermath of 67 years of occupation.”
The tree has been the farmer’s 40-year companion denoting an eternal love story that has been enthralling the man for years.
The Almond tree falls apart
As I headed toward the east, I met Haj Suleiman Samiri, 70, nicknamed the "home" for his astounding ability to tell of the city’s tales in minute details.
Haj Smiri who has just woken up from an afternoon nap told us, as he did many before us, that the Almond tree has been planted in the village for decades when it wasn't possible for Israeli occupation to reach our orchards. But now things have changed and Almond trees have either disappeared or, in the best of cases, replaced by other plants. Everybody knows what harm IOF has done to us.
Huge amounts of almonds used to be cultivated for local and external use. I myself had grown15 dunums of almond trees but in the aftermath of the Israeli occupation only one has remained! Today we can barely come across a single new Almond tree grown in the area.
PIC news reporter quoted Fathi Abu Shamala, head of Almonds Horticulture Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, as stating that such rainwater-dependent-trees are now threatened with extinction given the insufficient rainwater and lethal diseases contaminating the area along with the frequent brutal uprootedness procedures recurrently executed by the Israeli occupation forces.
Today most of the stories told by Almond tree farmers about the existential and historical value of the tree are characterized by mixed feelings of pride and regret, with the former designating the tree’s eternal quest for survival and the latter foreshadowing the tragedy of a tree that is due to perish as a result of the Israeli occupation’s practices.
A Palestinian herds camels near the Israeli settlement of Tomer in the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank on Feb. 16, 2014
Two weeks after their fragile tin shacks were destroyed by Israeli bulldozers, Atiya Bani Minna and his family are still sleeping under the stars, struggling to resume some semblance of normal life.
For this 50-year-old Bedouin shepherd, it is the third time that he and his extended family have had their homes levelled as the Israeli army steps up the pace of demolitions in the Jordan Valley.
Sleeping in the open, says Minna, has become "normal."
"We have become used to it, it's not a problem to sleep in the open."
It is an increasingly common story in this sparsely populated strip of West Bank land which borders Jordan and whose fate has become a major point of dispute between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in the US-led peace talks.
Like many other Bedouin communities in the Jordan Valley, Khirbet Ain Karzaliya has no electricity and is not connected to the water network, with the families relying on a small nearby spring for their flocks.
And it is located inside what Israel calls a "firing zone" -- an area that is off-limits to everyone except the army.
"What does Israel want from us?" asked Bani Minna, a long beard covering much of his weather-beaten face.
"We're not harming anyone, so why would they want to evict us? This area is uninhabited by anyone else, but they come with tanks and bulldozers and troops to evacuate us from our homes."
'Firing zones'
Two weeks after their fragile tin shacks were destroyed by Israeli bulldozers, Atiya Bani Minna and his family are still sleeping under the stars, struggling to resume some semblance of normal life.
For this 50-year-old Bedouin shepherd, it is the third time that he and his extended family have had their homes levelled as the Israeli army steps up the pace of demolitions in the Jordan Valley.
Sleeping in the open, says Minna, has become "normal."
"We have become used to it, it's not a problem to sleep in the open."
It is an increasingly common story in this sparsely populated strip of West Bank land which borders Jordan and whose fate has become a major point of dispute between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in the US-led peace talks.
Like many other Bedouin communities in the Jordan Valley, Khirbet Ain Karzaliya has no electricity and is not connected to the water network, with the families relying on a small nearby spring for their flocks.
And it is located inside what Israel calls a "firing zone" -- an area that is off-limits to everyone except the army.
"What does Israel want from us?" asked Bani Minna, a long beard covering much of his weather-beaten face.
"We're not harming anyone, so why would they want to evict us? This area is uninhabited by anyone else, but they come with tanks and bulldozers and troops to evacuate us from our homes."
'Firing zones'
A picture taken on January 8, 2014 shows a view of the Jordan Valley
The Jordan Valley accounts for nearly a third of the land in the occupied West Bank, although 90 percent of it is designated as "Area C" meaning it is under full Israeli control and Palestinian use of the land is severely restricted.
Aside from the land taken up by 39 Israeli settlements and nine illegal outposts, huge swathes of territory have been declared military firing zones and therefore off-limits to Palestinian herders -- including the land on which Khirbet Ain Karzaliya stands.
The Bedouin say they have lived here for decades, and Palestinian officials accuse Israel of using the demolitions as a way of displacing them ahead of an attempt to annex the area.
But Israel defends its demolition policy, saying most of the corrugated-tin structures were located within a no-go zone or built without permission -- although rights groups point out that securing Israeli construction permits is "virtually impossible."
UN figures show that demolitions in the Jordan Valley more than doubled in 2013, with 390 structures razed compared with 172 a year earlier.
The Jordan Valley accounts for nearly a third of the land in the occupied West Bank, although 90 percent of it is designated as "Area C" meaning it is under full Israeli control and Palestinian use of the land is severely restricted.
Aside from the land taken up by 39 Israeli settlements and nine illegal outposts, huge swathes of territory have been declared military firing zones and therefore off-limits to Palestinian herders -- including the land on which Khirbet Ain Karzaliya stands.
The Bedouin say they have lived here for decades, and Palestinian officials accuse Israel of using the demolitions as a way of displacing them ahead of an attempt to annex the area.
But Israel defends its demolition policy, saying most of the corrugated-tin structures were located within a no-go zone or built without permission -- although rights groups point out that securing Israeli construction permits is "virtually impossible."
UN figures show that demolitions in the Jordan Valley more than doubled in 2013, with 390 structures razed compared with 172 a year earlier.
Birds fly over the border fence that divides Israel and Jordan in the Jordan Valley
In the same period, the number of people left homeless rose from 279 to 590. And this year looks set to be even worse, with some 160 people made homeless in January alone.
The rising number of demolitions has fueled Palestinian fears that Israel may be looking to ensure a permanent footing in the Jordan Valley, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said is vital to the Jewish state's future security.
Israel has insisted on maintaining troops in the area in any final peace agreement, in a stance completely rejected by the Palestinians who say it would be a violation of their sovereignty and merely perpetuate the occupation.
The question of the Jordan Valley's future is one of the trickiest elements of the peace process.
"Israel sees the Jordan Valley as Israeli territory," said Yael Stein, a lawyer with the Israeli rights group B'Tselem.
"Israel refuses to plan houses for the Palestinians or connect them to water … people are living in very harsh conditions because of this policy," she told AFP.
"On the other hand, Israel gives very generous conditions to Israelis who live there and the discrimination is very blatant."
Stark difference
In the same period, the number of people left homeless rose from 279 to 590. And this year looks set to be even worse, with some 160 people made homeless in January alone.
The rising number of demolitions has fueled Palestinian fears that Israel may be looking to ensure a permanent footing in the Jordan Valley, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said is vital to the Jewish state's future security.
Israel has insisted on maintaining troops in the area in any final peace agreement, in a stance completely rejected by the Palestinians who say it would be a violation of their sovereignty and merely perpetuate the occupation.
The question of the Jordan Valley's future is one of the trickiest elements of the peace process.
"Israel sees the Jordan Valley as Israeli territory," said Yael Stein, a lawyer with the Israeli rights group B'Tselem.
"Israel refuses to plan houses for the Palestinians or connect them to water … people are living in very harsh conditions because of this policy," she told AFP.
"On the other hand, Israel gives very generous conditions to Israelis who live there and the discrimination is very blatant."
Stark difference
A Palestinian from the Bani Mania family rides a donkey near his camp which was demolished by Israeli authorities near the Palestinian village of Al-Jiftlik
The difference between living conditions in Khirbet Ain Karzaliya and Jewish settlements in the same area is stark, with annual revenue from agriculture there reaching 600 million shekels ($172 million, 125 million euros), according to remarks by regional council head David Elhayani to Haaretz newspaper.
Ten minutes' drive down the road in the small agricultural settlement of Na'aama, just outside Jericho, Yinon Rosenblum carefully tends verdant rows of organic mint, basil and cucumbers.
When the settlement was established in 1982, Rosenblum moved there from the northern port city of Haifa and has stayed on since. Today he employs 20 Palestinian workers.
"I moved here with state backing, but living here is also my right," Rosenblum told AFP.
"There are three synagogues in Jericho which are more than 2,000 years old -- three, not just one. That says I have roots here."
The greenhouse employs the Palestinian workers and Rosenblum is quick to admit that they have rights.
"The Palestinians have rights, and I totally agree with that, but I also have rights and they come first," he said.
For him, there is no question that the land which he has cultivated for the past three decades will ever be anything but part of Israel.
"I absolutely do not believe that the Jordan Valley will be part of the Palestinian state," he said.
Just up the road, the Bedouin take exactly the same stance.
"We won't leave this land, however much they try to kick us out -- we'll stay here as a thorn in their side," said Bani Minna.
"As Palestinians, this is our homeland and we have no other nation. We will prove that we are steadfast."
The difference between living conditions in Khirbet Ain Karzaliya and Jewish settlements in the same area is stark, with annual revenue from agriculture there reaching 600 million shekels ($172 million, 125 million euros), according to remarks by regional council head David Elhayani to Haaretz newspaper.
Ten minutes' drive down the road in the small agricultural settlement of Na'aama, just outside Jericho, Yinon Rosenblum carefully tends verdant rows of organic mint, basil and cucumbers.
When the settlement was established in 1982, Rosenblum moved there from the northern port city of Haifa and has stayed on since. Today he employs 20 Palestinian workers.
"I moved here with state backing, but living here is also my right," Rosenblum told AFP.
"There are three synagogues in Jericho which are more than 2,000 years old -- three, not just one. That says I have roots here."
The greenhouse employs the Palestinian workers and Rosenblum is quick to admit that they have rights.
"The Palestinians have rights, and I totally agree with that, but I also have rights and they come first," he said.
For him, there is no question that the land which he has cultivated for the past three decades will ever be anything but part of Israel.
"I absolutely do not believe that the Jordan Valley will be part of the Palestinian state," he said.
Just up the road, the Bedouin take exactly the same stance.
"We won't leave this land, however much they try to kick us out -- we'll stay here as a thorn in their side," said Bani Minna.
"As Palestinians, this is our homeland and we have no other nation. We will prove that we are steadfast."
3 apr 2014
Israeli forces closed off the Western entrance to a Ramallah village on Thursday, locals said.
Villagers from Silwad told Ma'an that Israeli forces blocked off the entrance with concrete blocks to aid settlers who had recently seized tens of acres of Palestinian land in the village.
The settlers, protected by Israeli military forces, built barb wire fences around the annexed land to prevent the Palestinian owners from accessing their fields.
Villagers from Silwad told Ma'an that Israeli forces blocked off the entrance with concrete blocks to aid settlers who had recently seized tens of acres of Palestinian land in the village.
The settlers, protected by Israeli military forces, built barb wire fences around the annexed land to prevent the Palestinian owners from accessing their fields.
Israeli forces stormed the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabal al-Baba east of al-Ezariya and demolished several mobile dwellings housing Bedouin families early Thursday, locals told Ma’an.
Large numbers of special Israeli forces gathered near the illegal Maale Adumim settlement before they raided Jabal al-Baba, escorting three bulldozers and officers of the Israeli Civil Administration.
The bulldozers started a wide-scale demolition process targeting structures made of steel, tin sheets and wood. The structures belonged to Bedouin families who have lived in the area since 1948.
East Jerusalem popular committee spokesman Hani Halabiya told Ma'an that the residents were not given any time to evacuate their belongings. Some of the demolished steel structures, he said, have been used as dwellings, while others served as cattle farms belonging to Bedouins from the al-Jahalin tribe.
Halabiyya highlighted that the demolition is part of an Israeli plan to empty the hill of its Palestinian residents, who have been there since they were displaced from their villages in 1948, in order to enlarge Maale Adumim settlement through the so-called E1 area.
The first two structures Israeli forces pulled down belong to Mahmoud Ibrahim Jahalin and Salim Kayid Jahalin. Five people used to live in the first and 14 in the second. Structures serving as poultry and cattle farms were also demolished in an ongoing process.
The local spokesman noted that Civil Administration officers issued demolition and eviction orders to Palestinian families who live in Jabal al-Baba by late February.
The demolition was postponed twice, he said, adding that Israeli forces and bulldozers arrived this morning without prior notice and started demolition immediately.
E1 is an area northeast of Jerusalem and west of the illegal Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim. Israeli plans for settlement construction in the area have been strongly opposed by the international community, including the US.
Critics say Israeli settlement construction in E1 would divide the West Bank in two and make the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state -- as envisaged by the internationally backed two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict -- virtually impossible.
Large numbers of special Israeli forces gathered near the illegal Maale Adumim settlement before they raided Jabal al-Baba, escorting three bulldozers and officers of the Israeli Civil Administration.
The bulldozers started a wide-scale demolition process targeting structures made of steel, tin sheets and wood. The structures belonged to Bedouin families who have lived in the area since 1948.
East Jerusalem popular committee spokesman Hani Halabiya told Ma'an that the residents were not given any time to evacuate their belongings. Some of the demolished steel structures, he said, have been used as dwellings, while others served as cattle farms belonging to Bedouins from the al-Jahalin tribe.
Halabiyya highlighted that the demolition is part of an Israeli plan to empty the hill of its Palestinian residents, who have been there since they were displaced from their villages in 1948, in order to enlarge Maale Adumim settlement through the so-called E1 area.
The first two structures Israeli forces pulled down belong to Mahmoud Ibrahim Jahalin and Salim Kayid Jahalin. Five people used to live in the first and 14 in the second. Structures serving as poultry and cattle farms were also demolished in an ongoing process.
The local spokesman noted that Civil Administration officers issued demolition and eviction orders to Palestinian families who live in Jabal al-Baba by late February.
The demolition was postponed twice, he said, adding that Israeli forces and bulldozers arrived this morning without prior notice and started demolition immediately.
E1 is an area northeast of Jerusalem and west of the illegal Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim. Israeli plans for settlement construction in the area have been strongly opposed by the international community, including the US.
Critics say Israeli settlement construction in E1 would divide the West Bank in two and make the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state -- as envisaged by the internationally backed two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict -- virtually impossible.
Six military bulldozers entered Thursday morning into Palestinian citizens' lands east of Rafah, the southern Gaza Strip. The bulldozers entered 100 meters from Abu Metleq gate, east of al-Nahdha neighborhood, and started leveling and razing the lands located between Karem Abu Salem crossing and the gate.
Several military vehicles were deployed at the border fence to reinforce the incursion.
Similar incursions take place almost daily in the eastern and northern borders of the Gaza Strip in a clear violation of the cease-fire- agreement that Israel signed with the Palestinian resistance and brokered by Egypt in November 2013.
Several military vehicles were deployed at the border fence to reinforce the incursion.
Similar incursions take place almost daily in the eastern and northern borders of the Gaza Strip in a clear violation of the cease-fire- agreement that Israel signed with the Palestinian resistance and brokered by Egypt in November 2013.
Israeli Occupation Forces( IOF) stormed early Thursday Ebzeeq village in the northern Jordan Valley, near the Palestinian city of Tobas in the West Bank. They handed its inhabitants direct expulsion summons under the pretext of carrying on military trainings.
This is the fourth time that the inhabitants of Ebzeeq are demanded to evacuate their village, under the pretext of claimed military trainings. That made them lose stability and feel of continued displacement, EmadHaroup, the Ebzeeq's spokesperson said. He added that twenty families received evacuation summons to evacuate their homes on Friday from 07:00 a.m to 04:00 p.m.
There is a general feeling that those military trainings are used as a means of displacement and putting the Palestinian people under pressure to leave their nomadic villages, Emad declared.
This is the fourth time that the inhabitants of Ebzeeq are demanded to evacuate their village, under the pretext of claimed military trainings. That made them lose stability and feel of continued displacement, EmadHaroup, the Ebzeeq's spokesperson said. He added that twenty families received evacuation summons to evacuate their homes on Friday from 07:00 a.m to 04:00 p.m.
There is a general feeling that those military trainings are used as a means of displacement and putting the Palestinian people under pressure to leave their nomadic villages, Emad declared.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) on Wednesday opened a new tunnel in the heart of Silwan district near the Aqsa Mosque after 15 years of diggings in the area. According to the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage, the IOA held a small opening ceremony in camera for the new tunnel, which is part of the deep Silwan underground passageway, south of the Aqsa Mosque.
The Aqsa foundation said that this tunnel is part of a network of tunnels extending from Silwan and going under and around the Aqsa Mosque's foundations.
Over 15 years of deep diggings, huge rocks and a large amount of dirt had been removed from the dig site.
The IOA and its Jewish groups in east Jerusalem describe the dig area and the tunnel as the Ein Castle, which they claim that Prophet Dawoud (David) took it after he conquered the Arab Canaanites and that Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) became the king of Israel at this site.
The Aqsa foundation condemned these Israeli claims as another Jewish lies and part of the Israeli plans that aim to Judaize the entire holy city of Jerusalem.
The Aqsa foundation said that this tunnel is part of a network of tunnels extending from Silwan and going under and around the Aqsa Mosque's foundations.
Over 15 years of deep diggings, huge rocks and a large amount of dirt had been removed from the dig site.
The IOA and its Jewish groups in east Jerusalem describe the dig area and the tunnel as the Ein Castle, which they claim that Prophet Dawoud (David) took it after he conquered the Arab Canaanites and that Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) became the king of Israel at this site.
The Aqsa foundation condemned these Israeli claims as another Jewish lies and part of the Israeli plans that aim to Judaize the entire holy city of Jerusalem.
2 apr 2014
Israeli soldiers demolished seven agricultural sheds and structures in the Tiwani village, east of Yatta, in the southern West Bank district of Hebron.
Rateb Jabour, Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Hebron, stated that several Israeli military jeeps, armored vehicles and bulldozers, invaded the area, and demolished the seven structures.
He added that representative of the so-called Civil Administration Office, run by the army in the occupied West Bank, accompanied the army.
He further stated that the residents sometimes live in the sheds, and use them to store agricultural tools and equipment.
The village is located close to the Ma’on illegal Israeli settlement, built on private Palestinian property.
The demolished structures belong to residents Ahmad Reb’ey, Mohammad Issa Reb’ey, Ribhy Ahmad Reb’ey, Mafdy Ahmad Reb’ey, Mohammad Ali Reb’ey, Jadallah Shihada Reb’ey, and Naim Salem al-‘Adra.
The structures were also filled with wheat and fodder that belong to several residents of the village.
Jabour denounced the destruction, and said such attacks are frequent, targeting the residents, their sources of livelihood, and their structures in different parts of Yatta, and other areas in Hebron, and different parts of the West Bank.
He added that Israel aims at forcing the Palestinian to leave their lands so that it can build and expand its illegitimate Jewish-only settlements, and its military camps, by alleging those areas are “state property” and not inhabited by the Palestinians.
Israel’s settlements, military and security centers, in the occupied territories are built in occupied areas, therefore, illegitimate under International Law.
In Match, the Israeli government authorized the construction of 2840 units in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem.
On April 1, Israel decided to issue illegal orders confiscating 600 Dunams of Palestinian lands that belong to residents of Qaryout village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Israel intends to use the confiscated lands to build parking lots and other structures for Jewish settlers.
Rateb Jabour, Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Hebron, stated that several Israeli military jeeps, armored vehicles and bulldozers, invaded the area, and demolished the seven structures.
He added that representative of the so-called Civil Administration Office, run by the army in the occupied West Bank, accompanied the army.
He further stated that the residents sometimes live in the sheds, and use them to store agricultural tools and equipment.
The village is located close to the Ma’on illegal Israeli settlement, built on private Palestinian property.
The demolished structures belong to residents Ahmad Reb’ey, Mohammad Issa Reb’ey, Ribhy Ahmad Reb’ey, Mafdy Ahmad Reb’ey, Mohammad Ali Reb’ey, Jadallah Shihada Reb’ey, and Naim Salem al-‘Adra.
The structures were also filled with wheat and fodder that belong to several residents of the village.
Jabour denounced the destruction, and said such attacks are frequent, targeting the residents, their sources of livelihood, and their structures in different parts of Yatta, and other areas in Hebron, and different parts of the West Bank.
He added that Israel aims at forcing the Palestinian to leave their lands so that it can build and expand its illegitimate Jewish-only settlements, and its military camps, by alleging those areas are “state property” and not inhabited by the Palestinians.
Israel’s settlements, military and security centers, in the occupied territories are built in occupied areas, therefore, illegitimate under International Law.
In Match, the Israeli government authorized the construction of 2840 units in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem.
On April 1, Israel decided to issue illegal orders confiscating 600 Dunams of Palestinian lands that belong to residents of Qaryout village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Israel intends to use the confiscated lands to build parking lots and other structures for Jewish settlers.
1 apr 2014
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) bulldozed on Tuesday 23 Palestinian homes and structures in Hamsa and Karziliya hamlets in the Jordan Valley and displaced tens of Bedouin families living mainly on livestock farming. Rashid Khudairat, coordinator of the popular campaign in the Jordan Valley, said that the Israeli bulldozers wiped out everything in the hamlets and rendered families of more than 200 individuals homeless.
The Palestinian hamlets and villages in the Jordan Valley are exposed to systematic demolitions by Israel, which aims to force the Palestinian Bedouins to leave the region in order to seize it entirely for its settlement and military activities.
The Palestinian hamlets and villages in the Jordan Valley are exposed to systematic demolitions by Israel, which aims to force the Palestinian Bedouins to leave the region in order to seize it entirely for its settlement and military activities.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) went on the rampage in a hamlet near Beit Furik town in Nablus province on Tuesday morning and destroyed four sheds and a number of small houses.
Shaher Hanani, one of the owners of those sheds in Khirbat Jawana hamlet, told the PIC reporter that the IOF bulldozers razed four sheds and a number of small houses for farmers in the hamlet.
He said that the soldiers claimed those sheds and houses were in area C, which according to Oslo accords are under full Israeli control.
IOF troops routinely harass inhabitants in this hamlet with the hope of forcing them to abandon their land.
Shaher Hanani, one of the owners of those sheds in Khirbat Jawana hamlet, told the PIC reporter that the IOF bulldozers razed four sheds and a number of small houses for farmers in the hamlet.
He said that the soldiers claimed those sheds and houses were in area C, which according to Oslo accords are under full Israeli control.
IOF troops routinely harass inhabitants in this hamlet with the hope of forcing them to abandon their land.
Israeli bulldozers on Tuesday destroyed a car wash in the central West Bank, Palestinian security sources told Ma'an.
The sources said bulldozers, escorted by Israeli military vehicles, demolished a car wash near the main entrance of the village of Haris in the Salfit district.
It was the third time the car wash had been demolished, the sources added.
The building belonged to Fadi Hasan Salih Suleiman.
Separately, Israeli bulldozers demolished three steel agricultural structures in addition to tents in a northern West Bank village near Beit Furik east of Nablus.
Deputy mayor of Beit Furik Sami Zalmout told Ma'an several Israeli military vehicles escorted bulldozers to the village of Khirbet Tana and destroyed the structures, some of which served as residences.
Israel rarely grants Palestinians permits to build in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It has demolished at least 27,000 Palestinian homes and structures since occupying the West Bank in 1967, according to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.
Israel destroyed more than 663 Palestinian properties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2013, displacing 1,101 people, according to UNOCHA. Around 241 more people have been displaced just since the beginning of 2014.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
The sources said bulldozers, escorted by Israeli military vehicles, demolished a car wash near the main entrance of the village of Haris in the Salfit district.
It was the third time the car wash had been demolished, the sources added.
The building belonged to Fadi Hasan Salih Suleiman.
Separately, Israeli bulldozers demolished three steel agricultural structures in addition to tents in a northern West Bank village near Beit Furik east of Nablus.
Deputy mayor of Beit Furik Sami Zalmout told Ma'an several Israeli military vehicles escorted bulldozers to the village of Khirbet Tana and destroyed the structures, some of which served as residences.
Israel rarely grants Palestinians permits to build in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It has demolished at least 27,000 Palestinian homes and structures since occupying the West Bank in 1967, according to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.
Israel destroyed more than 663 Palestinian properties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2013, displacing 1,101 people, according to UNOCHA. Around 241 more people have been displaced just since the beginning of 2014.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
