Beit jala: Israeli occupation authorities have compelled three Palestinians in Beit Jala, Bethlehem governorate, to self-demolish their homes. This action was taken to avoid substantial fines and demolition costs that would have been imposed if the authorities executed the demolitions themselves.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the three residents demolished their homes, which included one under construction and another that was inhabited, after receiving threats of demolition. They were also compelled to bear the costs associated with the process.
Israeli authorities frequently force residents in Beit Jala and other regions of the Bethlehem governorate to demolish their homes under the pretext of lacking building permits. Meanwhile, Palestinians face systematic denial of building permits amidst ongoing colonial expansion on their land.