Hebron: Israeli occupation forces have informed the family of a slain Palestinian in Idhna, west of Hebron, of their intention to demolish their house. According to local sources, the forces stormed the residence of Muhannad al-Asoud, occupying the rooftop and notifying the family about the demolition while simultaneously discharging gunfire and concussion grenades.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the house, which is fully equipped and furnished for habitation, consists of two storeys and spans over 240 square meters. In early September 2024, occupation forces breached the house, took measurements, and made numerous holes in the walls as part of their preparation for the punitive demolition.
Al-Asoud, 34, was killed by the occupation forces on September 1, 2024, during an attack on a house where he was hiding. On that morning, he had opened fire at the Tarkumiya checkpoint, killing three Israeli soldiers. Following the incident, his body was withheld by the occupation forces.
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aeli authorities have a longstanding policy of demolishing the homes of Palestinians accused of attacking Israelis, a measure not applied to Israeli settlers involved in fatal attacks against Palestinians. Human rights organizations have condemned this practice as collective punishment and a war crime.
B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights group, highlights that the main victims of these demolitions are relatives, including women, the elderly, and children, who are not suspected of any wrongdoing. The group also notes that in most cases, the individual whose actions led to the demolition did not reside in the house at the time.