Palestinians See "New Nakba" in West Bank Villages as Demolitions Return
KHALLAT AL-DABA, OCCUPIED WEST BANK - The quiet village of Khallet al-Daba was shattered on a Monday morning in May when Israeli forces arrived with bulldozers and soldiers. By the end of May 5, the community had been reduced to rubble, one of at least four mass demolitions conducted by Israeli forces this year.
For residents, the repeated demolitions are nothing less than a new Nakba - an echo of the mass displacement and ethnic cleansing Palestinians suffered in 1948. "We've lost our homes, our livelihoods, and our sense of security," said Amal Abu Hashish, a resident of Khallet al-Daba. "It's like they're trying to erase us from this land."
The demolitions have left families without shelter or access to basic necessities. Many have been forced to live in makeshift tents or with relatives in nearby villages. The economic impact is also significant, as the destruction of homes and infrastructure has disrupted local businesses and trade.
Israeli authorities claim that the demolitions are necessary for military purposes, citing security concerns and alleged construction permits issued by Palestinian authorities. However, residents and human rights groups dispute these claims, arguing that the demolitions are a form of collective punishment and a attempt to drive Palestinians out of their ancestral lands.
"This is not just about demolition; it's about displacement," said Ghassan Khatib, a former Palestinian minister and expert on Israeli-Palestinian relations. "Israel is trying to create facts on the ground that will make it impossible for Palestinians to return to their homes."
The demolitions in Khallet al-Daba are part of a larger trend of forced displacement and home demolition in the occupied West Bank. According to UN estimates, over 1,000 Palestinian structures have been demolished by Israeli forces since 2020, leaving thousands without shelter.
As the international community continues to debate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, residents of Khallet al-Daba and other affected villages remain steadfast in their determination to resist displacement and preserve their way of life. "We will not be erased," said Amal Abu Hashish. "This is our land, and we will fight for it."
In response to international pressure and criticism, Israeli authorities have announced plans to review the demolition policy and explore alternative solutions. However, residents remain skeptical, citing past promises that have gone unfulfilled.
As the situation in Khallet al-Daba and other affected villages continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the struggle for Palestinian rights and self-determination remains a pressing issue, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and global human rights.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
