Israeli security forces fired tear gas to break up a protest near the country's West Bank separation barrier on Thursday over an order for demolitions of Palestinian homes. A small group of Palestinians set up a tent on the outskirts of Beit Sahur on the occupied West Bank side of the barrier next to Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, before it was removed and tear gas was fired by police, an AFP journalist said.
Israeli police did not respond to a request for comment. Israel considers the area near the fence a security zone. Palestinian Red Crescent medics at the scene said 13 people suffered from tear gas inhalation, but did not require hospital treatment. The protest was over an Israeli high court ruling last month dismissing a petition by residents of the Sur Baher area on the Jerusalem side of the separation wall requesting the cancellation of a military order prohibiting construction.
On June 18, residents received a 30-day notice from Israeli authorities informing them of their intent to demolish the homes. According to UN humanitarian affairs agency OCHA, the ruling affects 10 buildings already built or under construction, including around 70 apartments.