RAMALLAH, July 4, 2018 (WAFA) – Israeli army bulldozers were seen early Wednesday opening roads that lead from the main Jerusalem-Jericho highway to Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin community, east of Jerusalem, to facilitate access of bulldozers to the area to demolish the Palestinian community, according to Walid Assaf, head of the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission.

He told WAFA that dozens of activists are currently at the site keeping an eye on developments as Israel prepares to demolish the community and a school serving over 150 students from five nearby communities that would displace over 180 people.

He said the bulldozers started early in the morning removing rails on the main highway and leveling the land to the community to open access road for its heavy machinery to reach Khan al-Ahmar and demolish it.

Israel has declared the area on Tuesday night a closed military zone, closing roads and banning movement on these roads.

Israel wants to demolish the community to build a settlement on the land. The move has angered the international community and human rights organizations who demanded that Israel cancel its measures against the Palestinian community and others in and around that area.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military demolished two homes in two different areas of Abu al-Nuwwar Bedouin community, east of Jerusalem, apparently in preparations to demolishing Khan al-Ahmar community, said Assaf.

He said the demolition took place while a large army force cordoned off the area.

M.K.