❗️Israel demolishes homes in Bedouin community of man who evacuated Israeli settlers on 7 October

Israeli authorities have carried out demolitions in the Arab al-Ziadna area north of Rahat in the Naqab, including property belonging to the family of Yusef Ziadna, a Bedouin bus driver who says he rescued more than 30 Israeli settlers from the Nova festival area on 7 October 2023.

According to Radio A-Shams, Ziadna said demolition machinery entered the area on 5 October and began destroying buildings belonging to members of his family, including a structure connected to his brother's sheep farm. Ziadna had been due to appear on the station to recount his rescue efforts but instead invited people to visit the area and see the demolitions.

The demolitions are part of a wider campaign targeting Bedouin communities in the Naqab, particularly villages that Israeli authorities do not recognize. Local reports said residents of Arab al-Ziadna and nearby Umm Nmeila face repeated demolition orders amid disputes over land ownership and planning, with residents saying they are seeking to remain on their ancestral lands rather than be relocated. Israeli authorities have previously forced members of the Ziadna family to demolish homes themselves or face demolition costs and fines.

Ziadna's account of rescuing more than 30 Israeli settlers on 7 October has previously been documented by The Times of Israel, which reported that he used his minibus to evacuate settlers from the Nova festival area after the attack. The current demolitions have renewed attention on the treatment of Bedouin communities in the Naqab, where residents have faced longstanding disputes with Israeli authorities over recognition, planning and access to their land.