Israel demolishes Al-Araqeeb village for 118th time

Israeli army bulldozers yesterday demolished the village of Al-Araqeeb in the Negev for the 118th time.

The Israeli authorities claim the Bedouins have established their homes without obtaining the necessary permits and of building on state land.

Quds Press reported that large numbers of police and special units from the Israeli Ministry of Interior and representatives of the Israel Lands Administration (ILA) stormed the village and demolished its tents and tin shacks.

It added that clashes took place between the villagers and the Israeli police and village leader Sayah Al-Turi was arrested.

The village was last demolished on 27 August.

Israeli army bulldozers have demolished the village on August, 27 for the 117 time.

Read: For Israel displacing Bedouins is financially rewarding

Activists in the village said the Israeli bulldozers regularly demolish the tents that shelter the families, including women and children.

Six residents of the village which is “unrecognised” by the Israeli state have been asked to pay a total of $541,000 for the cumulative cost of destroying their homes 116 times since 27 July 2010.