Israel blows up Palestinian home near Ramallah

Israeli occupying forces have blown up the family home of a slain Palestinian in the village of Deir Abu Mishal, according to Wafa news agency.

The house of Adel Ankoush, who was shot after allegedly stabbing an Israeli soldier in June, was raided early this morning and then rigged with explosives, while drones circled overhead. The bombs detonated not only destroyed the foundations of the house, but also caused damage to five other homes in the vicinity.

The explosion started a fire in a neighbouring property and Palestinian Civil Defence firefighters were called to the scene to put out the flames. Clashes subsequently broke out between residents and Israeli occupying forces, who responded by firing tear gas at protestors.

Read: Israel demolishes home of Palestinian resistance fighter

Last week, the homes of the two other Palestinians, who reportedly perpetrated the June attack, were also razed. According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, a total of 22 people who were family members of the alleged attackers have been left homeless.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has increased demolitions of Palestinian homes since 2015. The move is justified as part of a policy of deterrence, despite previous military committee statements that such actions do not prevent attacks.

Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned such reprisals as a form of “collective punishment”.