Israeli Forces Demolish Five West Bank Buildings, Displacing Over 100 People
Residents of Biddu report sudden demolitions without warning, citing lack of building permits.
1Sudden Morning Raid
On November 5, 2026, Israeli forces raided the town of Biddu in the occupied West Bank. Troops demolished five residential buildings, forcing residents of 12 apartments to evacuate immediately. Soldiers reportedly used stun grenades and tear gas during the operation, preventing families from retrieving their personal belongings, furniture, or essential clothing items.
2Displacement and Impact
The demolition resulted in the displacement of more than 100 Palestinian residents. Ahmad Abu Eid, the owner of the targeted properties, stated that the buildings housed his children and their families. He believes the destruction was an act of retaliation linked to his son Salman, who was released in a prisoner exchange deal.
3Area C Jurisdiction
The homes were located in Area C, a region of the West Bank under full Israeli administrative and security control according to the 1995 Oslo agreement. Israeli authorities justified the demolitions by citing the absence of building permits. Palestinians frequently face significant challenges in obtaining these permits, which are rarely granted by Israeli officials.
4Legal Challenges Ignored
Salem Abu Eid, a member of the Biddu municipal council, noted that two of the demolished homes were currently subject to active legal challenges in Israeli courts. Despite these ongoing proceedings, authorities proceeded with the destruction. Previous stop-construction notices had been issued, but no final demolition orders were provided for those specific structures.
5Escalation in Jerusalem
The Palestinian Authority’s Jerusalem Governorate office described the event as a dangerous escalation. Officials argue these actions aim to undermine the Palestinian presence on the outskirts of Jerusalem. The office warned that such demolitions violate international law and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis for families who are left without any alternative housing or support.
6Rising Demolition Statistics
Data from the Jerusalem Governorate office indicates a sharp increase in demolition operations throughout 2026. Between January and October, authorities documented 471 incidents, including forced self-demolitions and land-levelling operations. This figure includes 294 demolitions carried out specifically using Israeli machinery, reflecting a broader trend of land clearing across the occupied West Bank.
7Calls for Support
Local leaders are urging official authorities to provide compensation and alternative housing for the displaced families. Residents emphasize that they have no other land and intend to remain in the area despite the destruction. There is an urgent call for stronger Palestinian solidarity to assist those who have lost their homes and personal property.
8Context of Occupation
The demolition in Biddu highlights the persistent tension regarding land use in the West Bank. While Israel maintains that these structures are illegal due to zoning regulations, critics view the policy as a tool for demographic control. The frequency of these operations continues to displace hundreds, significantly impacting the stability of Palestinian communities.