West Bank demolitions and displacement
Halt in demolitions of inhabited homes during COVID-19 emergency. Concern over ongoing demolition of hygiene-related structures. 16 aid structures, including EU-funded, were demolished or seized.
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.
The first month of 2020 recorded the demolition/seizure of 11 donor-funded structures. The use of Military Order 1797 in Area C continued in 2020. 53 per cent of targeted structures in East Jerusalem were demolished by their owners.
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.
