Israeli Occupation Forces accompanied by the so-called Planning and Construction Committee- Israel Civil Administration raided on August 24, 2016 Khirbet Um Al-Kheir, southwest Yatta town in Hebron and embarked on demolishing two inhabited residences and a cultural center.

According to the researcher of Land Research Center, who was present at time of the attack, it is reported that Israeli Occupation Forces detained the chieftain of the community in Bedoel colony  to complete the demolition operation without any interference.

 
At time the chieftain was released from the colony

 The demolished structures were reported as follows:

1. Residence if Khadra Al-Hathalin that is 60m² in area. The structure was built by bricks and roofed with metal slaps; it is home for five member family.
2. Residence if Zayed Al-Hathalin that is 30m² in area. The structure is home for 2 member family.
3. Um Al-Kheir Cultural Center for Kids that is 60m² in area. The structure was built by bricks and roofed with metal slaps; it serves the kids of the community.

About Um AL-Kheir:

It should be marked that the hamlet of Um AL-Kheir  that is inhabited by AL-Hadhaleen family  is located nearby Karmel colony, which is founded on confiscated lands from the hamlet. The Israeli occupation has been working hard to displace people through serving demolition and stop-work orders on the area's residents and their properties.

Land Research Center sees houses and properties demolition as a clear-cut violation of all international conventions and laws:

 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

 Article 1 states: " All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

Article 17: " (1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property."

The 1907 the Hague Convention

 Article 23: " In addition to the prohibitions provided by special Conventions, it is especially forbidden

g.  To destroy or seize the enemy's property, unless such destruction or seizure be imperatively demanded by the necessities of war;"

The Geneva Fourth convention

 article 53: "  Any destruction by the Occupying Power of real or personal property belonging individually or collectively to private persons, or to the State, or to other public authorities, or to social or cooperative organizations, is prohibited, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations."

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights:

Article 11.1 states: "The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation based on free consent".
 

Before and after demolishing  Khadra's residence

Um Al-Kheir Cultural Center at time of being broken into by the military

The rubbles of the cultural center

 

 

 

Prepared by
 The Land Research Center
LRC