Town of Shuqba under demolition campaign and settlers assaults

Timeline of Incidents

On May 2, 2024: The Israeli bulldozers demolishes two agricultural facilities of Farmers Mohammed Basem Mohammed Shalash and Ziyad Mohammed Marouf in Shuqba village). Reason: Lack of building permit; structures had stop-work orders since Nov 2021. Two weeks before the demolitions, Israeli forces had entered the targeted area, photographing the structures without providing any notice or warning of their intent to demolish them. The demolitions proceeded later without further communication.

On March 5, 2024: Demolition of an agricultural room and three livestock shacks. Reason: Alleged unlicensed construction

On August 24, 2024: Israeli military raid with grenades in Shuqba and nearby villages. Reason: Security operation; search-and-arrest suspected.

On December 4, 2024: Agricultural room (12 m²) and retaining wall demolished. Reason: No permit; existing stop-work order since 2023

On January 16, 2025: Demolition of an agricultural structure and landfill closure. Reason: Built without permits according to Israeli authorities

On January 19, 2025: Evacuation notices issued for 36 dunums (approx. 9 acres) of land. Reason: Declared “state property” by Israeli Civil Administration

On January 29, 2025: Destruction of agricultural structure (~60 m²) and rainwater cistern. Reason: Lacked building permit; demolition despite prior stop-work notice

On February 11, 2025: Demolition of an agricultural structure and tractor seizure. Reason: No permit; part of wider demolition campaign in 2024

On February 20, 2025: Israeli military raid—youth injured by live fire; shop searches and tear gas. Reason: Security operation; raids for suspected militants or weapons

On May 13, 2025: Israeli bulldozers demolished one inhabited two-story home (approximately 250 m²) belonging to Yaqoub Hamida Qadah in Shuqba. Reason: Construction was deemed “illegal” by Israeli authorities—lack of an approved permit. Other reports from IMEMC note that this followed the demolition of four additional homes in Shuqba earlier that day; OCHA’s update confirms demolitions reported in Shuqba on May 14

On April 8 2025 – Demolition (agricultural room near annexation wall) Israeli forces razed a 60 m² agricultural room in Bayt Nuba, adjacent to Shuqba, citing proximity to the annexation wall in Area C. Official reason: Illegal construction within restricted buffer zone.

On May 19, 2025: Destruction of a two‑story house (Ibrahim Abdel Qader Shalash). Reason: Claimed illegal construction in Area C

On July 9, 2025: Bulldozers razed four homes and two barns in Shuqba. Reason: Broad campaign cited as displacement effort to advance land control and Judaization

Reasons behind these demolition raids

Administrative Pretexts: Most demolitions are attributed to lack of building permits, often coupled with stop-work or eviction orders. Land is frequently deemed “state land” by Israeli authorities, prompting notices and removal.

Buffer-zone/security regulation: The April demolition targeted structures near the annexation barrier (Area C), deemed illegal due to buffer-zone rules.

Broader Policy Context: These acts are widely interpreted by rights organizations as part of a systematic approach to reduce Palestinian presence, particularly in Area C, and facilitate settlement expansion or Judaization efforts.

Security operations: The March raid was part of broader military/population-control tactics which often involve search-and-seizure, presence near schools, and demolition orders tied to alleged security needs. Military raids involve raids, live fire, tear gas, and property searches tied to alleged security threats or anti-resistance efforts.

The case of July 9, 2025, especially stands out as coordinated across multiple locations, suggesting a strategic campaign

Legal framework:

The actions of the Israeli authorities in demolishing Palestinian homes and agricultural structures are violations of international law and humanitarian principles, including the right to adequate housing, as protected by several international legal provisions:

~ Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention: Defines the destruction and seizure of property on a large scale, not justified by military necessity, as a serious violation of the Convention.

~ Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1948 :prohibits the destruction of property, as this article states the following: “Any destruction by the Occupying Power of real or personal property belonging individually or collectively to private persons, or to the State, or to other public authorities, or to social or cooperative organizations, is prohibited, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations.”

~ Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention: “States that no person can be punished for an offense they have not personally committed”.

~ Paragraph (g) of Article 23 of the Hague Convention (1907): Warns against the destruction or seizure of enemy property unless justified by military necessity.

~ Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): States that "No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their property."