❓WHAT HAPPENED: Israel ordered the demolition of Palestinians’ homes in West Bank towns and revoked hundreds of Palestinians’ work permits following a deadly attack at a Jerusalem bus stop by Palestinian gunmen.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israeli authorities, affected Palestinian families, two slain Palestinian gunmen, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, and Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The Jerusalem attack occurred on September 8, with follow-up actions announced on September 9 targeting the West Bank towns of Qatanna and Qubeiba.
💬KEY QUOTE: “In the horrific attack, it was again proven that firearms save lives, when two armed civilians… neutralised the… terrorists.” – National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
🎯IMPACT: The demolition orders and permit revocations affect the livelihoods of hundreds of Palestinians, with the United Nations (UN) and others complaining that such measures amount to unlawful collective punishment.
Earlier this week, two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem, killing six people before being shot dead at the scene. The attackers were identified as residents of the West Bank towns of Qatanna and Qubeiba. In response, Israeli authorities have announced a series of punitive measures targeting the attackers’ hometowns and families.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the homes of the gunmen’s relatives will be destroyed, along with every structure built without permits in their two hometowns. In addition, Israel will revoke work permits for 750 Palestinians from the area, cutting off a vital source of income for many families. Katz said the actions are intended to deter future attacks. However, the United Nations (UN) and various nonprofits complain that such measures amount to collective punishment and violate international law.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir emphasized the role of armed civilians in stopping the attack. “In the horrific attack, it was again proven that firearms save lives, when two armed civilians, who had received weapons under the reform we are leading, neutralised the… terrorists,” he said, adding that more communities will be added to the list of those eligible for civilian gun licenses, expanding Israel’s armed civilian program.
On Tuesday, Israel also expanded its military campaign against Hamas further beyond Gaza by bombing Doha, Qatar, targeting what officials described as the senior leadership of Hamas. According to a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA), the operation was aimed at those “directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre” and who have been “orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”
Image by Moti Sender, Gush Katif.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.
