Israel demolishes Bab Al-Karameh Palestinian Village

On Monday 21st January, Israeli occupation forces raided at dawn, the village of Bab Al Karameh "Gate of Dignity" that was erected Friday in Beit Iksa northwest Jerusalem, demolished the village's mosque and confiscated the tents. One of the activists, Saed Yaqeen, told PNN that IOF troops raided the village around 2 AM, escorted by 30 military vehicles and a bulldozer, attacked the Palestinian and international activists, forced them to evacuate the village and deported them to Beit Iksa nearby village and started demolishing Bab al-Karameh. The activist Hussam al-Sheikh also told PNN that Bab al-Karameh citizens will return with the citizens of Beit Iksa to Bab al-Karameh to plant olive seedlings and try to rebuild the village, adding that the nonviolent resistance is more effective and that existing in the village is a way to defend the Palestinian right, dignity and land. Al-Sheikh said that Israeli occupation declared the village a closed military area and that no one can cross the borders of Beit Iksa, adding that no one from outside Beit Iksa is able to reach Bab al-Karameh. Sources from inside the village said, "more than 300 Israeli soldiers raided the village erected on Beit Iksa land and totally destroyed the village." The activist Mahmoud Rabee' said "Israeli authorities imposed a curfew on Beit Iksa following confrontations erupted with the citizens who were protesting against the demolishing of Bab al-Karameh village." It's worth mentioning that on Sunday, Israeli forces handed the activists demolition notices. Israeli forces also prevented dozens of Palestinians from reaching Bab al-Karameh under the pretext that it is a closed military area. At Beit Iksa checkpoint, confrontations launched with Palestinians who tried entering into the village. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated bullets and tear gas bombs, causing several injuries among the Palestinians.