People inspect a house demolished by Israeli forces in the town of Ni'lin in central West Bank, on May 23, 2023. Israeli forces on Tuesday razed the residence of a Palestinian behind a deadly shooting outside a restaurant in Tel Aviv in March. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
JERUSALEM, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces on Tuesday razed the residence of a Palestinian behind a deadly shooting outside a restaurant in Tel Aviv in March.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed in a statement that the residence of Mutaz Khawaja in the town of Ni'lin in central West Bank was demolished.
The Palestinian official news agency of WAFA reported that an Israeli force of about 50 vehicles raided Ni'lin and surrounded several buildings, sparking clashes with local Palestinians, in which at least two Palestinians were injured.
The Israeli army said that Palestinian youths rolled burning tires towards the troops and hurled fireworks, an explosive device, and rocks at them. According to the Israeli military statement, the Israeli soldiers "responded with riot dispersal means."
On March 9, Khawaja opened fire on passers-by on Dizengoff Street, which is known for its bars and restaurants, on a busy weekend night.
He shot and injured three Israeli men before fleeing the scene, but local residents and police officers on patrol chased him down and shot him dead. Or Eshkar, a 32-year-old Israeli victim of the attack, succumbed to the wounds and died in hospital 11 days later.
Israel frequently demolishes the homes of Palestinian attackers, even if they were killed during the attacks. The Israeli government claims that this measure will deter future attackers, but the Palestinians and human rights groups argue that it constitutes collective punishment and only fuels more anger and unrest among Palestinians. ■
People inspect a house demolished by Israeli forces in the town of Ni'lin in central West Bank, on May 23, 2023. Israeli forces on Tuesday razed the residence of a Palestinian behind a deadly shooting outside a restaurant in Tel Aviv in March. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
People inspect a house demolished by Israeli forces in the town of Ni'lin in central West Bank, on May 23, 2023. Israeli forces on Tuesday razed the residence of a Palestinian behind a deadly shooting outside a restaurant in Tel Aviv in March. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
People inspect a house demolished by Israeli forces in the town of Ni'lin in central West Bank, on May 23, 2023. Israeli forces on Tuesday razed the residence of a Palestinian behind a deadly shooting outside a restaurant in Tel Aviv in March. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
People inspect a house demolished by Israeli forces in the town of Ni'lin in central West Bank, on May 23, 2023. Israeli forces on Tuesday razed the residence of a Palestinian behind a deadly shooting outside a restaurant in Tel Aviv in March. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
