Destruction of West Bank village feared imminent

Israeli occupation officials visited the Palestinian village of Susiya on Sunday morning, in what residents fear is preparations for the imminent destruction of their community.

According to Israeli NGO B’Tselem, a Civil Administration (CA) representative accompanied by soldiers visited the South Hebron Hills village and took photographs and GPS measurements of structures.

Based on past experience, “local residents fear that this action means the CA is preparing to demolish the village in the near future.”

Last week, Israel’s High Court of Justice rejected a request by residents and Rabbis for Human Rights for an interim order to prevent the implementation of the demolition orders. Thus, “at any moment”, the destruction of Susiya – and the expulsion of its residents – may go ahead.

B’Tselem has called it a “harsh, unlawful move” that “is part of Israel’s policy in Area C, intended to facilitate the takeover of Palestinian land for settlements, and the expulsion of Palestinian communities from Area C to Areas A and B in preparation for the annexation of lands to Israel.”