JERICHO, Thursday, July 18, 2024 (WAFA) - Israeli occupation forces demolished four tourist villas this afternoon in the city of Jericho, east of the occupied West Bank, according to local sources.

WAFA correspondent reported that accompanied by military bulldozers, the occupation forces broke into the vicinity of Hisham Palace in northeast Jericho and demolished the villas belonging to a local Palestinian resident, citing unauthorized construction as the pretext.

Since the onset of the all-out Israeli aggression on Gaza and the West Bank in October 2023, Israel's demolitions of Palestinian homes have escalated, particularly in Area C, which constitutes approximately 60% of the area of the occupied West Bank.

Data from the Wall and Settlement Resistance Authority reveals that occupation authorities demolished 318 structures in the West Bank during the first half of 2024, compared to 313 structures demolished throughout the entire year of 2023, indicating an unprecedented escalation in demolition operations.

K.T/M.N