Israeli forces demolish Jordan Valley village

Israeli bulldozers destroyed a Palestinian village in the Jordan Valley on Monday, leaving over 100 people homeless, a local official said. Aref Daraghmeh, the mayor of al-Malih and al-Madarib villages, told Ma'an that a large Israeli military force accompanied bulldozers to the site of Khirbet Makhool village in Tubas, before demolishing homes and agricultural structures. The villagers, who are mainly Bedouins, were given no prior notice about the demolitions, Daraghmeh said. At least 120 people have been made homeless by the demolition, the official added, calling on rights groups to prevent forced displacement. Israeli is trying to Judaize the Jordan Valley, he said, calling the area a key battle ground in the conflict with Israel. Last week, Israeli forces raided the Jericho village of Fasayil and demolished residential and agricultural structures. Since 1967, Israel has pursued various measures to annex the Jordan Valley de facto, Israeli rights group B'Tselem says. Israel prevents the development of Palestinian communities, demolishes structures belonging to Bedouin communities and prevents Palestinians from accessing the area's rich resources. Source: Maan