Israeli Occupation Forces demolish three residences in Bethlehem city

August 17, 2016

• Violation: demolition of structures
• Location:  Beit Jala- Bethlehem governorate
• Date:  August 16, 2016
• Perpetrators: the so-called Israel Civil Administration
• Victims:  Zreineh family

Details:

Dozers from the Israeli Occupation Army demolished on August 16, 2016 three residences in the area of Bir Ouneh in Beit Jala city without any previous warning or notice.

The son of one of the affected people, Mousa Zreineh, told Land Research Center the following: " The dozers of the  Israeli occupation and  army forces raided the area and evacuated us from our houses  before bringing them down on the interior. When we asked about the reason, no answers were rendered". The following table shows information about the affected people and properties:

Source : Field observation- Department of Monitoring Israeli Violations- Land Research Center-2016

It should be marked that Zreineh  family has been living in the area since long time ago. Noteworthy, the occupation set up a yellow metal gate at the entrance of Zreineh house at time of  constructing  the apartheid wall in the area. At time, the family was given a key to enter and exit the gate. It is a true humiliation to be controlled when entering and exiting your house but we insist on staying in our lands, said the family.

After the green light was given by Israel Supreme Court, the construction of the wall was initiated. Vast area of Palestinian lands was ravaged, causing the death of many aging olive trees. As a result, the house of Zreineh was trapped by the wall from all sides.  Entry and exit to the houses were only possible through a huge metal gate.

Noteworthy, after the latest demolition of the residences, the owner refused to leave the area. Other family members were out and are now banned from entering it back. Only holders of Jerusalemite IDs can communicate with the owner and provide food, water and some basic needs for him.

It should be marked that a fine of 25,000 NIS was imposed on the family due to its proximity to the apartheid wall.

Beit Jala:

It is located 1 km to the west of Bethlehem and 8 km to the south west of the Occupied City of Jerusalem. 3147 dunums (22%) of the town's lands were confiscated to expand the borders of "greater Jerusalem" and a number of surrounding colonies including:

• Gilo: it was established in 1971 to cover around 2738 dunums in area nowadays. 1117 dunums are part of Beit Jala lands. The colony is inhabited by 31500 colonists.
• Har Gilo: it was established in 1972 to cover around 420 dunums in area nowadays. 314 dunums are part of Beit Jala lands. The colony is inhabited by 414 colonists.

Area and Location:

Beit Jala is inhabited by 16700 Palestinians (PCBS). Its total area is 14337 dunums divided into 6142 dunums (area 'A'), 91 dunums (area 'B'), and 8104 dunums (area 'C') (Oslo Interim Agreement 1995).

Prepared by
 The Land Research Center
LRC