Ben-Gvir orders Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem during Ramadan

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has instructed Israeli forces in occupied East Jerusalem to demolish dozens of Palestinian houses during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Israeli media reported on Monday.

The move would reverse a previous decision made several years ago to halt the inflammatory practice of house demolitions during Ramadan.

When questioned whether the directive would bring increased security risks, Ben-Gvir told Israel's Kan News that the sanctity of the month of Ramadan should not change Israel's security policies.

Israeli police will be following Ben-Givr's orders, according to a report by Israel's Ynet News.

Israeli security officials have warned that Ramadan - which is expected to begin on 22 March - will likely see an increase in tension and violence in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Israel has already killed at least 65 Palestinians in the West Bank since the beginning of 2023, continuing with a policy of deadly raids on Palestinian towns and cities in the occupied territory which began in March 2022.

Israeli occupation authorities regularly demolish Palestinian houses under the pretext that they do not have the correct permits, which are almost impossible to obtain from Israeli authorities.

Israel also demolishes the homes of the families of suspected Palestinian attackers - a policy dubbed as collective punishment by rights groups.