Canada condemns demolition of 100 Palestinian homes in the West Bank
July 24, 2019The West Bank village of Sur Baher was targeted by hundreds of Israeli troops and bulldozers on Monday, July 22 as they began operations to demolish approximately 100 homes, citing ‘security concerns’ and claiming that the proximity of the houses to the infamous (and illegal) separation barrier endangers the soldiers who are stationed there. However, many accuse Israel of using the barrier to displace Palestinians from their homes and make room for long-term expansion of illegal settlements.
The Canadian government responded yesterday by condemning the move and calling on Israel to halt the demolitions. We applaud this move and hope that it will be a catalyst for condemnation of other illegal activities Israel is conducting in occupied Palestine, such as the construction of illegal settlements and the continued expansion of the separation barrier.
The separation barrier already cuts off much of the West Bank and has isolated many communities from the rest the occupied territories, forcing inhabitants to take significant detours and go through restrictive checkpoints to move around. Notably, this marks the first time that demolitions have taken place in the area administered by the Palestinian Authority, as stipulated in the 1993 Oslo Accords, further demonstrating Israel’s disregard for international treaties and agreements.
“I built this house stone by stone. It was my dream to live in this house. Now I am losing everything,” said Fadi al-Wahash, 37, his voice breaking as a bulldozer destroyed his unfinished three-floor house.”I had a permit to build from the Palestinian Authority. I thought I was doing the right thing.”
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