Homes Demolished in Nahalin Over Unlicensed Construction
Israeli forces demolished a number of inhabited homes in the towns of Nahalin and Zaatara in the Bethlehem governorate, south of the occupied West Bank, citing the pretext of unlicensed construction. The move comes amid an ongoing escalation in the policy of demolishing Palestinian residential structures. Local sources reported that troops entered Nahalin, west of Bethlehem, accompanied by military bulldozers, and positioned themselves in the “Subeiha” area before beginning to tear down several residents’ homes. The demolitions affected a two-story home along with two single-story homes, while forces also began evacuating a fourth home in preparation for its demolition. Bulldozers additionally leveled a two-story house spanning roughly 170 square meters per floor, as troops fired sound bombs and tear gas at residents to keep them away from the targeted buildings. The Nahalin demolitions followed a recent rejection by an Israeli court of a petition to halt an order to demolish 14 homes in the town.
A Home Demolished in Zaatara, Search Operation in Artas
In the town of Zaatara, east of Bethlehem, forces demolished the home of a Palestinian resident, a semi-basement plus two-story structure spanning 110 square meters per floor and housing seven people. Local sources said the resident had been notified just one day before the demolition was carried out and told to vacate the property. The previous night, occupation forces had also raided the village of Artas, south of Bethlehem, searching two residents’ homes without reporting any arrests.
Part of a Broader Demolition Surge Across the West Bank
The West Bank is witnessing a marked escalation in the demolition of residential, commercial, and agricultural structures, alongside strikes on infrastructure and public facilities. According to Palestinian figures, Israeli forces carried out roughly 341 demolition operations during the first half of 2026, destroying 740 structures and affecting around 923 residents, including 546 children and 431 women. Over the same period, occupation authorities issued demolition notices for 254 additional structures, again citing the absence of building permits.