The West Bank town of Barta’a al-Sharqiya south of Jenin city has seen violent clashes between local young men and Israeli soldiers amid expectations of an Israeli intent to demolish the family home of prisoner Alaa Qabha.
Qabha 26 has been accused of killing two Israeli soldiers and injuring others in a vehicular attack outside a military post in the northern West Bank near the Mevo Dotan settlement a few months ago.
Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the deadline set by the Israeli high court of justice for the family of Qabha to evacuate its home ended on Friday June 15 adding that Israeli bulldozers are expected to arrive in the town any moment to raze the house.
In the midst of this anticipation Israeli soldiers stormed the town at dawn Saturday and fired volleys of tear gas grenades at angry young men to disperse them.
Two youths were reportedly beaten and sprayed with pepper gas during the events.
Israeli soldiers also set up a checkpoint at the main entrance to the town and obstructed the movement of citizens and vehicles.
