HRW: Destroying Palestinians’ Homes Collective Punishment, A War Crime

Local Editor

Human Rights Watch called on "Israel" Saturday to immediately impose a moratorium on its policy of demolishing the family homes of Palestinians suspected of carrying out attacks on "Israelis".

According to the international organization, the "Israeli" policy deliberately and unlawfully punishes people not accused of any wrongdoing, and when carried out in the West Bank and East al-Quds amounts to collective punishment, which is a war crime.

"Punitive home demolitions are blatantly unlawful," said Joe Stork, the organization's deputy Middle East and North Africa director. ""Israel" should prosecute, convict, and punish criminals, not carry out vengeful destruction that harms entire families."

On Thursday, "Israeli" military officials have issued demolition orders for the homes of four Palestinians who carried out operations in the past month - two for the synagogue this week, one for an operation on the light-rail system and one for attempted assassination of a right-wing Zionist.

The orders follow a pledge by "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step up home demolitions as a punitive measure for Palestinians.

"Following this, one home has already been demolished, a final decision to demolish another has been made, and three homes are in various stages of the process," the so-called "Israeli" "Jusice" ministry said. "As for other homes whose demolition is being considered, the issue is still under legal examination."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team