Israeli Army Demolishes Four Houses Near Bethlehem

Israeli Army Demolishes Four Houses Near Bethlehem

by George Rishmawi

April 3, 2012 Israeli military bulldozers demolished on Tuesday morning four houses in the town of Beit Jala near the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem Palestinian media sources reported. Residents of Beit Jala said that two bulldozers, accompanied by a number of Israeli military vehicles and police, invaded the neighborhood in the early hours of the morning and bulldozed the houses and removed 55 electricity poles in the Makhrour neighborhood which resulted in a power blackout in the entire neighborhood. A demolished house owner told media that he received a warrant on March 5, and had retained a lawyer to follow up with the issue. He was, however, surprised by the demolition this morning. The same owner added that he found the warrant in front of the door under a small stone. The army claims it sent out warrants in 2005, however, the residents said they have received nothing before March 5 this year. The same owner added that he found the warrant in front of the door under a small stone. On his part, the Mayor of Bethlehem said the municipality is trying to restore the power to the area as a temporary relief for the residents.