Kathmandu— Palestinian homes have been demolished in the village of Ein al-Duyuk near Jericho in the occupied West Bank, leaving rubble and fear among displaced families. For months, settlers led by Hanan Herbst have been systematically destroying property under the guise of “clearing waste,” but residents allege a deliberate effort to force them from their land with the tacit support of Israeli authorities. The demolitions began escalating in February following a settler attack, and have continued despite court injunctions protecting some of the homes, raising questions about the rule of law and the increasing entanglement of settler ambitions with state authority.

Escalating Demolitions and Displacement

Residents describe a pattern of attacks beginning in February, where settlers damaged homes and stole property. This summer, the demolitions resumed under the pretense of clearing debris from the earlier attacks, but quickly expanded to include further destruction. Mohammad Salah, a resident whose home is now blocked by rubble, recounted how a settler told him, “This land is not coming back to you.” Ali Kaabneh, a Bedouin herder, described being forced from his home with stones and weapons in February, leaving thirteen families displaced. Many remain living amongst the ruins of their homes.

State Complicity Alleged

Residents, lawyers, and court filings suggest Israeli authorities are not merely standing by but actively facilitating the demolitions. Herbst is escorted by soldiers during each visit, despite a lack of official demolition orders presented to residents. Lawyer Tawfiq Jabareen argues that the army is circumventing court decisions by using settlers to carry out demolitions instead. A state filing revealed an agreement between Herbst and the World Zionist Organization granting him agricultural use of the land – even though some homes had existing legal protections against demolition.

Political Context and Heritage Plans

The settlement activity is linked to broader Israeli policies in the West Bank, including the formal recognition of the Armonot Farm outpost as a settlement called Daya. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu posted a video vowing to destroy any structures built on land considered part of Jewish heritage, shortly before the initial settler attack. The area surrounding Ein al-Duyuk contains archaeological ruins that Israel’s government intends to incorporate into a network of “Judeo-centric” heritage parks.

Residents Despair for Future

Displaced families are struggling to find alternative housing and livelihoods, with many forced to rent accommodation elsewhere. Mohammad Salah has moved his family to Bethlehem but is unable to find work there. Residents express feelings of helplessness and fear for their future, questioning why they cannot return to their homes. Khalil al-Razim, a Jerusalemite who spends summers in the area, noted that this situation feels familiar, echoing experiences of displacement in Silwan, East Jerusalem.

The demolitions continue as Herbst reportedly prepares to begin cultivating the razed land, with the state maintaining its claim to ownership. Residents and activists are vowing to challenge these actions legally and through continued documentation of the events on the ground.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.