Israeli Government Accused of Complicity as Armed Settlers Demolish Homes Near Jericho
JERICHO — Palestinian residents and human rights advocacy groups have accused the Israeli government and military of complicity following an incident in which armed settlers demolished multiple Palestinian homes and structures on the outskirts of Jericho in the occupied West Bank.
According to local eyewitnesses and community leaders, dozens of masked, armed settlers arrived with heavy machinery—including bulldozers—forcing families out of their homes before tearing down residential structures, tin shacks, and livestock shelters.
Key Aspects of the Incident
- Direct Displacement: The demolitions left dozens of residents—including women and children—displaced without immediate shelter or access to their personal belongings and livestock.
- Military Presence and Allegations: Residents reported that Israeli military vehicles were present during the raid, raising concerns among human rights observers regarding a lack of intervention to halt unauthorized destruction or protect civilians.
- No Formal Demolition Orders: Affected families confirmed that no legal warnings or state demolition notices were issued prior to the destruction of their long-standing homes.
Escalating Tensions in Area C
The demolitions near Jericho occurred in Area C , an administrative region of the West Bank under full Israeli civil and security control under the Oslo Accords.
Palestinian officials and international monitors warn that rising settler activity—combined with recent government policies aimed at streamlining land registrations and expanding settlements—is accelerating forced displacement and escalating tensions across the West Bank.
