JERUSALEM, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli authorities on Sunday informed residents of a West Bank Bedouin village that they must leave before Oct. 1 when their homes will be demolished.
Israel charges that the village of Al-Khan Al-Ahmar, where some 200 impoverished people live in shanty shacks and tents, was illegally constructed.
But Palestinians in the occupied West Bank say it is virtually impossible for them to obtain building permits from Israel.
On Sunday, the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories said in a statement that a circular had been issued to the residents, requiring them to demolish their village "independently" by Oct. 1 or the Israeli authorities will do so.
Earlier in September, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected the villagers' appeal against the forced demolition.
The looming demolition sparked international criticism against Israel. European countries say the demolition constitutes a serious violation of human rights, urging Israel to cancel the decision.
