A Palestinian youth shouts as he stands in front of an Israeli bulldozer. (file photo)
Israeli bulldozers raze a Palestinian home in the occupied West Bank as part of Tel Aviv's plans to demolish Palestinian properties on technicalities and build Jewish settlements on the land.
The Israeli military bulldozers, escorted by Israeli police and security guards, drove into al-Nu'man village east of Bethlehem on Tuesday, tore down the structure and dismissed the family, who used to live there, the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) reported.
According to witnesses, the family members clashed with Israeli troops and hurled stones at them. Israeli forces, in return, fired tear gas on members of the Shawawra family, who were protesting against the demolition.
Israeli authorities said the building had been built without the required permits.
The Palestinians argue that their efforts to construct a free and independent Palestinian state would bear no fruit as Tel Aviv continues its destruction plans.
Figures from the Israeli non-governmental organization, Bimkom, reveal that nearly 95 percent of applications lodged by Palestinians for a building permit are refused.
The Israeli non-profit organization also noted that Israel's Civil Administration only grants some 12 permits a year.
Israel occupied and annexed East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967 in a move never recognized by the international community.
Israel has demolished 995 Palestinian homes and displaced 5,783 individuals, including 3,109 children, in the occupied al-Quds (Jerusalem) since the start of 2000, according to data from the PIC.
In June 2007, Israel laid an economic siege on the Gaza Strip after Hamas took control of the coastal sliver.
The Israeli blockade has had a disastrous impact, creating a humanitarian and economic crisis in the enclave.
Some 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to adequate living conditions, work, health and education. Poverty and unemployment rates stand at approximately 80 percent and 60 percent respectively in the Gaza Strip.
MP/TG/HRF PressTV - Israel razes another Palestinian home