Israeli army levels Araqib village for eighth time

[ 22/12/2010 - 10:07 PM ]

NEGEV, (PIC)-- The Israeli army with the help of a fleet of bulldozers has been leveling the Araqib village between the cities of Raht and Bir Sabe' since early Thursday morning in the eighth demolition of the village, Palestinians in the occupied city of Negev said.

The Israelis cornered the villagers forcing them out of the homes they erected anew after they were knocked down about a month back. They were blocked from salvaging their personal possessions inside. Part of their necessities were transported by trucks while the homes and their contents were being demolished.

Palestinian supporters arrived at the scene to join forces with the locals, among them an Islamic delegation led by Sheikh Raed Salah, who was recently released from Israeli jails.

“This is the true face of the Israeli government and Israeli democracy,” said Dr. Awad Abu Furaih, spokesman for the Araqib defense committee.

Abu Furaih warned in a press statement that the Araqib demolition would pave the way for wider ranging demolitions in the rest of the country's villages which are unrecognized by Israel.

He confirmed that Araqib's people will rebuild their homes when the Israeli force departs as they have done during previous demolitions. “We will not budge from here, no matter what they do or destroy.”

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