Occupation Forces Begin Demolishing Homes of 80 Palestinian Families in the Negev

Occupation authorities began, on Monday morning, the demolition of homes belonging to 80 Palestinian families in the village of Al-Araba in the Negev region.

The Palestinian News and Information Agency (Wafa) reported today that the demolitions targeted the homes of the Abu Wadi family, a move that threatens to displace hundreds of residents amid fears that dozens of families will lose their homes and land.

The agency noted that the demolitions follow the Central Court in Beersheba’s rejection of a request to suspend their implementation, paving the way for enforcement of demolition orders affecting homes and buildings in the village.

Previous reports indicated that demolition orders target approximately 60 homes in the village, where around 300 family members, including children and the elderly, reside.

Demolition operations have escalated noticeably in recent years, affecting dozens of homes and structures in Rahat and other towns and villages in the Negev.

According to the agency, “a significant portion of demolitions takes place in unrecognized Arab villages, whose residents face repeated demolition orders on the pretext of building without permits, amid the occupation’s refusal to recognize these villages and the absence of planning schemes that would allow for regulated construction there.”

According to the agency, “reports estimate that tens of thousands of Arab citizens in the Negev live in unrecognized villages and endure harsh conditions in housing, infrastructure, and services.”

The policy of home demolitions is not limited to the Negev; Arab towns across various regions of the country face a chronic planning and housing crisis, according to the agency.