West Bank demolitions and displacement
Ten donor-funded structures demolished or seized. Rise in demolitions and seizures through the use of Military Order 1797. Punitive demolition triggers clashes resulting in two deaths.
A 35 and 95 per cent increase in demolitions and displaced persons in 2019, compared with 2018. 127 donor-funded structures were demolished or seized in 2019, a doubling compared with 2018. 204 structures demolished in East Jerusalem this year, a record high over the past two decades. Since July, 19 structures, including six provided as humanitarian assistance, were demolished on the basis of Military Order 1797.
In November 2019, 64 Palestinian-owned structures were demolished or seized, displacing 141 people, including 71 children, and otherwise affecting the livelihoods or access to services of over 400 others. Fifty-seven of these structures, located in Area C or East Jerusalem, were targeted on grounds of lack of building permits, while the other seven, in an Area B community, were demolished on punitive grounds.
In October 2019, the Israeli authorities demolished or seized 50 Palestinian-owned structures, displacing 80 people, including 41 children, and otherwise affecting the livelihoods or access to services of 216 others. All but two structures were demolished or seized due to the lack of building permits, which are nearly impossible or Palestinians to obtain.
42 per cent increase in demolitions since the start of 2019 compared to same period in 2018. New demolitions in a south Hebron ‘firing zone’, exacerbate risk of forcible transfer. 17 donor-funded structures demolished or seized and three placed at risk.
Military order allowing expedited demolitions was implemented again during August. Seven donor-funded structures demolished or seized and 11 placed at risk. 37 per cent increase in demolitions since the start of 2019 compared to 2018.
Number of persons displaced so far this year exceeds total for 2018. Ten buildings near the Barrier demolished on security grounds. 24 donor-funded structures demolished or seized during July, the largest such figure in a single month since January 2017.
The first half of 2019 has recorded an increase of 50 per cent in overall demolitions and 78 per cent in donor-funded structures demolished, compared to the equivalent period in 2018. Six communities in firing zones across the West Bank targeted with demolitions. 20 donor-funded structures were demolished or seized, and four others reportedly stolen by settlers.
May saw the lowest number of demolitions in a single month in about 18 months. Three communities temporarily displaced by military trainings in the Jordan Valley. Three donated structures were demolished or seized.
In April, 71 Palestinian-owned structures were demolished or seized, displacing 75 people and affecting the livelihoods of over 300 others. This month’s total is the highest number of structures demolished in a single month in more than two years.
All but four of the structures were demolished due to the lack of building permits, which are virtually impossible for Palestinians to obtain, due to the restrictive planning regime applied by Israel in Area C and in East Jerusalem.
