![Palestinian youth watch the demolition of a building in East Jerusalem on 14 March, 2017 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/20170314_2_22396370_19846684-e1545306496812.jpg?fit=920%2C613&ssl=1)
The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas yesterday condemned an Israeli plan to demolish homes of families of Palestinian fighters, stressing it would not stop resistance, a statement said.
“Israeli violations against the families of Palestinian freedom fighters will never stop the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli occupation,” the statement said.
“The Israeli government’s approval of the bill to displace the families of the freedom fighter highlights the Israeli criminal and offensive policies against the Palestinian people.”
The statement, posted on Hamas’ official website, continued: “The Israeli government is seeking to satisfy the settlers through the policy of home demolition, reflecting the fascist mentality of the Israeli occupation, which is led by the extremist right-wing politicians.”
READ: In UN speech, Britain urges Israel to end demolition of Palestinian homes
Hamas insisted that “the Israeli offensive policies would motivate the Palestinian people to move forward and escalate their resistance against the occupation.”
The bill, which was approved by the ministerial legislation committee, passed the first reading in the Israeli Knesset yesterday.
Arab MKs, who objected the bill, were dismissed from the Knesset plenum.
Razing the houses of Palestinian fighters is deemed illegal according to international law as it is classified as a form of collective punishment.