Settlers raze Palestinian homes near Jericho, drawing accusations of state backing

Fresh destruction has struck a village near Jericho

Fresh destruction has struck a village near Jericho, where Israeli settlers demolished several Palestinian homes, reducing them to piles of debris and deepening anxiety among families who have now lost their shelter. The incident, which took place over the weekend, has triggered sharp criticism from local officials and rights groups, who allege that the settlers acted with tacit approval from state authorities.

Witnesses described a sudden operation in which bulldozers and heavy machinery moved into the area, leveling residential structures that had stood for years. Families were given little time to salvage belongings, and some residents said they watched helplessly as their possessions were buried under rubble. No injuries were reported, but the psychological toll was immediate, with children and elderly residents seen in distress as they surveyed the damage.

Palestinian officials in the Jericho governorate condemned the demolition as part of a broader pattern of forced displacement in the occupied West Bank. They accused the Israeli government of enabling settler violence by providing security and logistical support, a charge that Israeli authorities have denied. In response, the military said it was looking into the events, though no official statement has been released regarding possible action against the settlers.

Human rights organizations have also weighed in, noting

Human rights organizations have also weighed in, noting that such demolitions often occur without proper permits and that affected families have limited legal recourse. The United Nations has previously documented similar cases, calling on Israel to halt the practice under international law. However, repeated appeals have yielded little change on the ground, and local activists fear that this latest incident will set a precedent for further land grabs in the area.

For the displaced families, the immediate future is uncertain. Many have sought temporary refuge with relatives or in makeshift tents, while community leaders appeal for international intervention. The rubble remains where the homes once stood, a stark reminder of a crisis that continues to unfold with little sign of resolution.