Israel continues demolitions in occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem
17/02/2026 | 17:33:59
Occupied Jerusalem and Ramallah, February 17 (Petra) – Israeli forces Tuesday demolished homes and agricultural structures in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem according to local sources.
Palestinian officials describe the measures as punitive actions that disrupt daily life and alter realities on the ground.
In the town of Silat al-Harithiya in Jenin, Israeli bulldozers demolished the home of Raafat Dawasa, whom Israeli authorities had previously accused of involvement in an attack.
In the southern West Bank, settler violence reportedly forced 10 Palestinian families to leave the Bedouin community of al-Sawana, south of Hebron, according to the al-Baydar Organisation for the Defence of Bedouin Rights.
Demolition notices were issued for four homes in the village of al-Koum, west of Hebron.
In East Jerusalem, Israeli bulldozers demolished agricultural structures in the Arab al-Jahalin area.
In the town of Idhna, west of Hebron, dozens of olive trees were uprooted along a bypass road, and residents reported receiving notices ordering the removal of thousands of additional trees near the separation barrier.
In Nablus and Bethlehem, Israeli forces demolished residential homes, citing a lack of building permits.
Security forces reportedly sealed off the affected areas, restricted movement and used tear gas and stun grenades, leading to tensions with residents.
Separately, Israeli authorities closed the headquarters of the Burj al-Luqluq Community Association in Jerusalem's Old City for six months. Palestinian officials described the move as an escalation targeting local institutions and community activities.
Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the compound of Al Aqsa Mosque under police protection, according to the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem.
//Petra// AK