Israeli Occupation Forces demolish a social center and residence in Hebron town of Yatta

• Violation: demolition of structures
• Location:  Um Al-Kheir hamlet- Yatta town
• Date:  November 15, 2016
• Perpetrators: Israel Civil Administration
• Victims:  residents of Um Al-Kheir

Details:

 Israeli Occupation Forces demolished on November 15, 2016 a residence and social center in Khirbet Um Al-Kheir, south Yatta town in Hebron. Residents of the area said that a force from the Israeli occupation army and a staff from Israel Civil Administration raided the area in the morning and an accompanying dozer embarked on bringing the structures down.

The occupation force demolished the following structures:

1. Um Al-Kheir Youth Center : it is a 30m² tent that was reconstructed after being demolished on August 24, 2016.

Photos 1-3:  views of the recent demolition operation

1. Residence of Ali Hadhaleen:the 20m² was built by metal slaps and was home for five members including two children.

About Um AL-Kheir:

It should be marked that the hamlet of Um AL-Kheir  that is inhabited by AL-Hadhaleen family  is located nearby Karmel colony, which is founded on confiscated lands from the hamlet. The Israeli occupation has been working hard to displace people through serving demolition and stop-work orders on the area's residents and their properties.

Land Research Center sees houses and properties demolition as a clear-cut violation of all international conventions and laws:

 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

 Article 1 states: " All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

Article 17: " (1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property."

The 1907 the Hague Convention

 Article 23: " In addition to the prohibitions provided by special Conventions, it is especially forbidden

g.  To destroy or seize the enemy's property, unless such destruction or seizure be imperatively demanded by the necessities of war;"

The Geneva Fourth convention

 article 53: "  Any destruction by the Occupying Power of real or personal property belonging individually or collectively to private persons, or to the State, or to other public authorities, or to social or cooperative organizations, is prohibited, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations."

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights:

Article 11.1 states: "The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation based on free consent".

Prepared by
 The Land Research Center
LRC