Jerusalem – Israeli Military Demolishes, Seals Off Attackers’ Homes

Jerusalem – The Israeli military says forces are demolishing and sealing off the Jerusalem homes of two Palestinians involved in deadly attacks against Israelis in the city last year.

One attacker, Bahaa Elayan, opened fire on passengers on a bus in October, killing three people. The same day, Alaa Abu Jamal rammed his car into pedestrians and then stabbed people, killing one. Both attackers were shot and killed at the scene.

Israel claims home demolitions such as Monday’s operation are an effective tool to deter attacks. Critics say the tactic amounts to collective punishment.

Since the current round of Israeli-Palestinian violence erupted in mid-September, 21 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks. At least 131 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, 90 of them said by Israel to have been attackers.
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