Bethlehem: Israeli forces on Wednesday notified Palestinian residents of their intention to demolish nine homes, some of which are inhabited and others still under construction, in the village of Artas south of Bethlehem, according to a local official.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Samir Abu Swei, a member of the village council, stated that an Israeli army force raided the Jabal Abu Zeid area and posted demolition notices on the houses. The notices ordered the owners to remove the structures built above ground, or face demolition at their own expense. The homeowners were given 30 days to provide documentation proving their ownership of the land.
Abu Swei indicated that four of the homes are currently inhabited and belong to brothers Muhammad and Ali Ibrahim Shahin, Fadi Imad Asaad, and one whose owner is unknown. Meanwhile, the homes under construction are owned by Hussein Muhammad Ismail and Hussam Khaled Ismail, while additional homes are being constructed by Walid Ismail Ahmed Ismail, Suleiman Muhammad Saad, and Khaled Ismail Ahmed Ismail.
