A Palestinian was filmed kicking away a teargas cylinder fired by Israeli security forces on Tuesday in the village of Qilqes, near the Israeli settlement of Beit Hagai, south of Hebron. The forces were guarding bulldozers demolishing a home and shops, citing a lack of building permits.
Demolition in Qilqes Village
The incident occurred as Israeli authorities carried out the demolition of a residential home and several shops in Qilqes. According to the photographer, Hazem Bader of AFP/Getty Images, the security forces deployed teargas to disperse protesters opposing the demolition. The Palestinian man's act of kicking the canister away was captured in a striking image that has since circulated widely.
Letter Warns of 'Ethnic Cleansing' Ideology
The demolition comes amid a broader controversy over Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank. A leaked letter signed by prominent Israeli figures, including former prime ministers and security chiefs, threatened legal action against the government over what they described as an “ideology of ethnic cleansing.” The letter, reported on 24 June, also drew comparisons to 19th- and 20th-century European anti-Jewish pogroms and warned that Israel's actions are fuelling antisemitism worldwide.
Impact on Antisemitism Debate
Dr Anthony Isaacs of London commented on the letter, stating: “While fighting antisemitism and all forms of racism remains critical, the Israeli intervention should finally put to rest the notion that appeasing Israel in its perpetration of war crimes contributes to a reduction of antisemitism, when the truth is the reverse.” He also criticised Labour leader Keir Starmer for failing to distinguish between genuine antisemitism and opposition to Israel's policies, which he said led to the expulsion of Jewish Labour members who opposed Israel's actions.
The letter and the demolition highlight ongoing tensions in the region, with international observers calling for accountability and a halt to settlement expansion.
