An international expert condemned the demolition by the Israeli occupation of houses and properties belonging to the Palestinian Bedouin community in Humsa al-Buqai'a in the north of the West Bank. 

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian Territory Michael Lynk reported that, on July 7, the Israeli authorities destroyed 27 residential shelters, displacing 11 families - comprising around 70 people, including 35 children. They also demolished animal structures and water tanks, and confiscated the community's belonging. 

The UN expert confirmed that "the demolition is both unlawful and heartless." 

"As the occupying power, Israel is strictly forbidden from destroying Palestinian property unless it is absolutely required by military necessity during active armed operations," said the human rights expert. 

"Humsa al-Baqai'a is one of a number of Palestinian herding communities in the Jordan Valley. These communities are extremely vulnerable, both because they have limited access to water, sanitation, education, and electrical power, and because the Israeli military has seized large swaths of their traditional lands for military firing zones," added the expert. 

The Special Rapporteur implored the international community to take meaningful accountability measures to ensure that Israel complies with its legal obligations.

Source : Safa