Israeli Forces Bulldoze Business Near Jenin

Wednesday June 22, 2011 21:46 by David Steele - 1 of International Middle East Media Center Editorial Group

The Ma'an News Agency reports that ten workshops have been destroyed by Israeli forces in Barta'a ash-Sharqiya near Jenin.

The workshops are located in the West Bank but are on the Israeli side of the separation wall. Significant quantities of machinery were confiscated at the same time. The demolition began at approximately six o'clock on Wednesday morning.

The damage caused by the action is estimated at tens of millions of shekels and the demolition allegedly took place due to complaints by nearby settlers about smoke from the workshops. The structures were initially targeted for demolition in 2009, but a court order was obtained delaying the destruction.

As a result of the demolitions, fires started on the property and continued for some hours, until Palestinian fire-crews were allowed onto the property. Two tractors, belonging to Jamal Sharif Amarnah and Yasser Uthman Qabha were also confiscated.

Destruction of property is strictly prohibited under article 53 of the 4th Geneva convention.

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