TEL AVIV (JTA) — In the largest string of home demolitions in more than three years, Israel demolished nearly 40 Palestinian structures in the West Bank.

The demolitions took place, according to Haaretz, because the structures were built without the necessary permits. More than 120 people were left homeless from the demolitions, which took place Monday and Tuesday.

The structures were located in four Bedouin villages near the West Bank settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim, outside of Jerusalem, as well as in village of Fasa’il in the Jordan Valley. According to United Nations figures quoted by Haaretz, it was the largest string of demolitions since October 2012.

“These are illegal structures that were built without permits in violation of the law, some of which have been built in recent years, said a statement from the Israel Defense Forces’ coordinator of government activities in the territories, according to Haaretz. “The structures were demolished after the enforcement process was completed and the appropriate orders were issued.

Palestinians living in Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli control, often complain that it is near impossible to obtain construction permits, forcing them to build illegally.

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