Israeli occupation forces demolished three Palestinian homes on Wednesday in the town of Shuqba, west of Ramallah in the central West Bank. This demolition event represents one of the largest single-day incidents of its kind reported in the area in recent months.
Demolitions in Shuqba
The demolitions targeted homes belonging to members of the Qadah family. Adnan Shalash, head of the Shuqba Village Council, stated that forces demolished homes belonging to Khaled Abdullah Farah Qaddah and his brother Farah Abdullah Qaddah, bringing the total number of homes destroyed that day to three.
Khaled Qadah’s home was a two-story structure of approximately 200 square meters, housing six family members. His brother Farah’s home was also two stories, measuring roughly 380 square meters and sheltering eleven people. Earlier in the day, a four-story building belonging to their brother, Ibrahim Qadah, was demolished; each floor of that building measured approximately 300 square meters and housed nine residents.
Years-Old Orders
According to Shalash, the families had received demolition orders five years prior to Wednesday’s events. The combined estimated value of the three homes is 13 million shekels. Despite years of legal challenges, the families were reportedly surprised by the demolition, which was carried out without prior warning by Israeli bulldozers.
The Wall & Colonization Resistance Commission reported that last year’s demolition operations resulted in the destruction of 1,400 structures. These included 304 inhabited homes, 74 uninhabited homes, 270 economic facilities, and 490 agricultural structures.
Demolitions were concentrated in several areas, including Hebron in the southern West Bank, occupied Jerusalem, Ramallah in the central West Bank, Tubas in the northeastern West Bank, and Nablus in the northern West Bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were displaced by these demolitions?
A total of 26 people were displaced as a result of the demolitions: six from Khaled Qadah’s home, eleven from Farah Qadah’s home, and nine from Ibrahim Qadah’s home.
How long ago were the demolition orders issued?
The families received demolition orders five years ago, according to Adnan Shalash, head of the Shuqba Village Council.
Where were the demolitions concentrated last year?
Demolitions were concentrated in Hebron, occupied Jerusalem, Ramallah, Tubas, and Nablus, according to the Wall & Colonization Resistance Commission.
What impact will these demolitions have on the affected families and the broader community remains to be seen, but further actions by Israeli forces could lead to increased tensions and instability in the region.
