HEBRON, Thursday, May 16, 2019 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Thursday morning tore down a tent used as a shelter in the Palestinian herding community of Susya in Masafer Yatta, to the south of Hebron, according to a local activist.

Coordinator of the Popular Committee in the Southern West Bank Rateb Jabour told WAFA that Israeli troops tore down and seized a residential tent belonging to the family of Hussein Nawaj‘a for the fifth consecutive time in less than two months.

Soldiers threatened Nawaj‘a that if he sets the tent up once again, his and his sons‘ work permits would be revoked.

Masafer Yatta is located in Area C of the occupied West Bank, which Israel has full control over and prevents development or construction by Palestinians in that area while allowing free hand for Jewish settlers in building settlements or agricultural projects.

It has been designated as a closed Israeli military zone for training since 1980s and accordingly referred to as Firing Zone 918.

The area has been subjected to repeated Israeli violations by settlers and soldiers targeting their main source of living – livestock.

Israeli violations against the area include demolition of animal barns, homes and residential structures. Issuance of construction permits by Israel to local Palestinians in the area is non-existent.

K.T./ K.F.