Israeli forces demolish three homes, agricultural structure near Ramallah

Israeli forces demolished three homes and an agricultural structure Tuesday in the town of Beit Liqya west of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, witnesses told Anadolu. Troops entered the town with bulldozers and tore down the buildings, citing construction without permits. The operation occurred on the seventh day of Ramadan, suggesting Israel disregarded the significance of the Muslim fasting month.

Rising Demolitions

According to the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Israel carried out 59 demolition operations in January, affecting 126 Palestinian structures—including 77 inhabited homes. Authorities also issued 40 demolition notices, most in Hebron governorate. Israel frequently demolishes Palestinian homes and structures in parts of the West Bank, citing a lack of building permits, though critics note such permits are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain.

West Bank Escalation

Violence has surged in the West Bank since the Gaza war began in October 2023. More than 1,116 Palestinians have been killed, about 11,500 wounded, and roughly 22,000 arrested, according to Palestinian data. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation illegal and called for evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Beit Liqya demolitions add to a growing pattern of home destruction during Ramadan.