Israeli occupation forces demolish 15 homes in Bartaa, southwest of Jenin

WEST BANK, June 08 (YPA) – Israeli occupation forces on Monday initiated a large-scale demolition operation in the Palestinian village of Barta’a, located southwest of Jenin in the northern West Bank, targeting 15 residential buildings under the pretext of construction without permits.

Local sources described the operation as one of the largest in the village in recent months.

According to Palestinian and local sources, the targeted structures include multi-story residential buildings. The demolitions threaten to displace dozens of families, resulting in the loss of their homes and personal property.

Israeli occupation authorities frequently cite the lack of building permits as the legal basis for demolishing Palestinian-owned structures in the West Bank. However, Palestinian residents and rights groups argue that obtaining such permits from Israeli authorities is nearly impossible due to restrictive zoning policies and stringent planning regulations imposed on Palestinian communities in these areas.

Residents of Barta’a expressed grave concerns over the ongoing demolitions, warning of a potential humanitarian crisis and further forced displacement. They emphasized that these measures significantly restrict Palestinian residency and development in the region.

YPA