Palestinians: Israel resumes demolition of West Bank homes
Bulldozers raze illegal structures in Hares village; resident says act 'politically-motivated response to recent events'
Bulldozers belonging to the Civil Administration razed structures in a Palestinian village located in the northern West Bank on Wednesday.
Local Palestinians said that the razing, which was supervised by IDF forces, was the first in months.
They claimed the bulldozers wrecked a home in the village of Hares, and then began razing a number of tin shacks that contain a carwash, a marble factory and other businesses.
IDF officials said the razed home was not occupied, adding that the structures in question were built without the necessary permits.
Hares resident Isa Suf told Ynet, "The residents were surprised by the arrival of the demolition crew, and the home-owner was not warned ahead of time. He was at work.
"This is apparently a politically-motivated response to the recent events. We have no idea where this destruction will end," he said.
Palestinian sources said the Civil Administration razed another home in the village of el-Hader, near Bethlehem. They said the family of seven residing there was not given ample time to gather its belongings from the house, adding that the family's home had been destroyed by Israel in the past.
Earlier Wednesday, Ynet reported that the IDF has been relaying messages to the Palestinian Authority asking that it work towards curbing riots and demonstrations in the West Bank, particularly those surrounding the security barrier.
The army fears the protests may lead to further escalation, and IDF Central Command chief Major-General Avi Mizrahi has ordered a series of measures aimed at defusing tensions.
