Israeli settlers demolish homes in Jericho village

Israeli settlers demolished several homes in the Palestinian village of al‑Aqaba near Jericho on Tuesday, leaving the structures reduced to rubble and prompting the displacement of dozens of families. According to local officials, at least five houses were razed after settlers, accompanied by a contingent of security personnel, entered the area early in the morning and used heavy equipment to level the buildings. Residents reported that the demolition was carried out without prior notice or a legal order, and that the families were forced to leave with only a few personal belongings.

Humanitarian organizations and the Palestinian Authority condemned the action, describing it as a violation of international humanitarian law and an escalation of tensions in the West Bank. The Israeli military’s regional command said it was reviewing the incident, while the settler group involved claimed the homes were built on land they consider privately owned. As the displaced families seek temporary shelter, the demolition has heightened fear among the local population and drawn renewed calls for investigations into settlement activity in the area.