'Collective punishment': West Bank suspect's family home demolished

Nablus, West Bank The Sanoubar family reported that Israeli forces allowed them only two minutes to evacuate their residence before demolishing the apartment building where the extended family lived. The explosion on Tuesday sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, filling the air with thick clouds of dust and smoke.

The residence belonged to relatives of Abdul Karim Sanoubar, 30, who is currently in Israeli custody facing accusations related to a bombing. More than 30 people were living in the building, all impacted by the demolition as a form of collective punishment.

Targeting Through Fear

Sanoubar, a high-profile detainee arrested in July, had evaded authorities for five months following allegations of plotting bus bombings near Tel Aviv earlier this year. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, as explosives detonated while the buses were stationary.

Sanoubar was apprehended after a two-day search in Nablus, during which Israeli forces raided hospitals and residential areas near his family home. Following the demolition, his uncle, Moayed, condemned the action as an unjust "act of terrorism," asserting that those inside had no involvement in any crime.

We are not the terrorists; they are, Moayed stated. Sanoubars father, Amer, 61, described the destruction as another instance of "collective punishment" imposed on the family due to his sons alleged actions. They did this to intimidate us, he added, explaining that the aim was to discourage any young Palestinian from considering violent acts.

Aftermath and Displacement

Amer gestured toward the ruins of their home, now gaping with destruction, calling it a warning to the wider Palestinian community. The family reported that Israeli authorities also declared the property confiscated, preventing them from returning or rebuilding.

The Israeli military said the demolition was part of "Operation Five Stones," launched in late November as a counterterrorism measure.

Collective Punishment Criticism

The destruction of homes in the occupied West Bank as a punitive tactic has been widely criticized by human rights organizations, considered illegal under international law. Since Abdul Karims detention, his brothers, Ahmad and Omar, aged 31 and 33, have also been held without trial under Israels administrative detention system. Amer himself has been detained three times, and other family members, including his wife and daughter, have been arrested.

Repeated raids by Israeli soldiers have left the familys possessions destroyed. The demolition notice had been issued in April, allowing just 72 hours to appeal, which the courts rejected. The final demolition occurred on November 18, leaving the family scattered across Nablus and nearby areas.

Neighbors evacuated during the demolition have since returned, many repairing damages like shattered windows. The remnants of Sanoubars top-floor bedroom remain visible, bearing the inscription We fight so we can live.

Author: Sophia Brooks