Ramallah: Palestinian Authorities Tuesday condemned Israeli forces for erasing an entire Arab village, called Al Araqeeb in Al Nakkab’s desert, from the map, after their forces completely destroyed it.
They claimed that the Israeli colonists course of action is unacceptable and violates international law and added that the Palestinian authorities may well take legal measures against the state of Israel to force the return of the residents of Al Araqeeb and the rebuilding of the village.
The Israeli government has never recognised the village and considered any construction within it illegal, despite the fact that approximately a thousand people have lived there for many years.
In recent years the government had already seized huge tracts of land and forced many residents to evacuate their homes. They also disfigured the village – chopping down trees and destroying landmarks.
Residents stood little chance when the Israeli’s raided the village with thousands of soldiers and using giant military bulldozers to destroy their homes. After the local mosque was destroyed women and children were transported to a near-by cemetery by lorry, before being moved to another location.
The village’s residents have vowed to fight the Israeli forces to recover their lands and rebuild their village.
Palestinian sources say that the crime will be thoroughly discussed with the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel.
