Ma'an Image, Januaury 13, 2011

Members of the Younis family watch while their home is demolished by the Israeli bulldozers in the West Bank village of Azzun Atma near Qalqiliya, January 11, 2011.

Owner Mu’in Amin Younis, told Ma'an that he began building the home in 2003, on lands owned by his family. He had not yet completed the 130 meter structure when it was demolished.

"They said I built it without a license, but it is my own land," he said.

The village where the Younis family lives is stranded between the Green Line, Israel's separation barrier and two settlements. It is only partially under Palestinian control. Areas of the village near the barrier and settlements come under Israeli civil and military jurisdiction, known as Area C.

Because Younis owns land in Area C, he must apply to Israel for a permit to construct a home. Rights organizations and UN bodies have recognized that it is almost impossible to obtain such a permit.