Israel demolished 106 housing units in 2019, more than it did in both 2017 and 2018, leaving 349 Palestinians homeless, including 160 minors. (Photo: ActiveStills.org)
The Israeli army on Monday handed over Palestinian families notices ordering them to evacuate over 15 homes and residential facilities in Tel as-Samaddi area of al-Jiftlik village in the Jordan Valley.
According to local sources, the Israeli occupation forces demolished a crude home and confiscated its content, before it distributed the evacuation orders.
The military orders were issued at the pretext that the homes and structures are located in an archeological area in the Jordan Valley.
Such Israeli measures are part of an Israeli plan to force the local residents to leave their native areas in the Jordan Valley.
Last month, Israeli human rights center B’Tselem warned that Israel demolished a record number of Palestinian homes in 2019 over permit issues and as a punitive measure aiming to displace Palestinians from their own land.
According to B'Tselem figures, Israel demolished 106 housing units in 2019, more than it did in both 2017 and 2018. The demolitions have left 349 Palestinians homeless, including 160 minors.
The rights monitor said this policy is immoral and constitutes collective punishment, which is prohibited under international law. Nevertheless, the justices of the Supreme Court repeatedly dismiss petitions brought by Palestinians against these demolitions, relying on an unreasonable interpretation of international law and acceptance of the state’s arguments, including the claim that the policy is meant as a deterrent rather than a penalty - even though this claim has never been proven.