Ofra Evictions Begin

IDF and security forces have begun the process of evicting residents of nine homes in Ofra, two days before the scheduled move.

In February 2015, the High Court of Justice ruled that the buildings were built without construction permits, on land that was privately owned by citizens of the Palestinian Authority. The court originally ordered the homes to be demolished by February 8, 2017, but granted a one-month delay on January 25 to give security forces extra time to plan the eviction.

TPS sources in Ofra say IDF troops have seized control of the southern-most of the nine homes in preparation for evicting residents. The building is the only one that was not occupied and was expected to serve as a focal point for teenage protesters during the eviction process.

All youth have left the home in Ofra, in a process coordinated with the community youth director. No clashes were reported and no arrests were made.

by Andrew Friedman/TPS

{Matzav.com Israel}