HEBRON, July 19, 2015 (WAFA) – The Israeli army Sunday ordered Palestinians from the town of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron to stop the construction of their three homes under construction, said an activist.

þThe coordinator of the popular committee against settlements and the Apartheid Wall, Mohammad Awad told WAFA that the so-called Israeli civil administration raided the area of Beit Zata east of the town and notified the three owners of stop-construction orders.

The owners were identified as Mohammad Sabarna, Bilal Sabarna and Khalil Abu Maria. The Israeli army also photographed the homes under construction, said witnesses.  

WAFA correspondent reported that the homes in question, one of which is already completed and the other two in the final stages, are located in Area C and are close to the main road 90 used by the Israeli settlers in the area.

Israeli authorities’ issuance of construction permits for Palestinians living in Area C, which is under full Israeli administrative and military control, is strictly limited. This reality forces Palestinians residing in such areas to embark on construction without obtaining a permit risking in the process the demolition of their homes.

The Israeli authorities do not usually notify Palestinians of stop-construction orders and demolition orders in the first stages of construction, but wait until they have progressed before deciding to either demolish or halt the construction process.

The three owners are now awaiting trial to determine of the status of their property.

M.H