Thousands protest over the demolition of homes in Negev

Thousands of Negev residents demonstrated yesterday opposite the Ramat Hanegev Regional Council building to protest against the demolition of homes in Negev and the fierce attack on Bir Hadaj, where numerous homes were demolished under the pretext of them having illegal licences.
Protesters blocked traffic on Highway 40, in coordination with the police, carrying banners condemning home demolitions and calling for a halt of these crimes in the Negev. They comprised heads of municipalities, public and political activists and national forces.

The protest was triggered after Israeli bulldozers, working under police protection, demolished the homes of families who have lived in the community for generations leaving them homeless, setting up make shift tents for cover.

As the Israeli government refuses to recognise the Negev’s 51 villages – including those which were established prior to the formation of the State of Israel – residents have been faced with displacement after Israeli forces increase demolitions in the area and confiscated their land and property. The area is being readied for the establishment of Jewish towns and farms on the ruins of Arab villages.

Arab citizens in the Negev and Palestinian territories called on the international humanitarian and human rights organisations to visit the area and monitor the crimes committed against its residents.