Hebron: Israeli authorities on Thursday issued demolition orders for nine inhabited Palestinian homes in the West Bank city of Hebron, marking the latest enforcement action in the occupied territory. Local sources reported that the demolition notices targeted homes in the Qanan Niyas area of Al-Shuyukh town, northeast of Hebron, citing claims of construction without permits in Area C.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli authorities had previously issued stop-work orders to the homeowners approximately a month ago due to the lack of permits. This was despite homeowners submitting the necessary documents for obtaining permits. Israel's demolition of Palestinian structures in Area C is a frequent occurrence, justified by claims of unlicensed construction. Area C remains under full Israeli civil and administrative control as per the Oslo II agreement.
In 2025, Israel demolished more than 1,267 Palestinian structures on the grounds of unlicensed construction, as per data from the Israeli anti-settlement group B'Tselem. This figure is the highest since the organization began documenting demolitions in 2006. The Oslo II accord divided the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C, with Area C under complete Israeli control, restricting construction and land development without permits-permits that Palestinians argue are nearly impossible to obtain.
The demolition of homes in these circumstances is viewed as inconsistent with international humanitarian law. The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the destruction of civilian property except in instances of imperative military necessity.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian man after an altercation with occupiers in the Masafer Yatta area, south of Hebron. Anti-settlement activist Osama Makhamreh reported that Israeli occupiers attempted to assault local residents in the Khirbet Shaab Al-Butm community before military forces intervened and detained the Palestinian individual.
In a separate incident, an Israeli military vehicle attempted to run over two young Palestinians at the entrance to Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. A video circulating on social media appeared to capture the moment, although no injuries were reported.
Since October 2023, the occupied West Bank has experienced an uptick in attacks by Israeli occupiers and military forces against Palestinians and their property. These incidents include arson, land bulldozing, and preventing farmers from accessing their lands, particularly near illegal settlements and outposts.
On June 10, Amnesty International accused Israel of conducting a campaign of 'ethnic cleansing' against Palestinians in the West Bank, stating that the arming of thousands of occupiers had intensified the situation. Since October 8, 2023, Israeli actions in the West Bank have resulted in the deaths of 1,169 Palestinians, injuries to 12,666 others, and the arrest of approximately 23,000 individuals, while 33,000 have been displaced, according to official Palestinian figures.