Under Threat: Demolition orders in Area C of the West Bank

Official data released by the Israeli authorities indicate that over 11,000 demolition orders – affecting an estimated 13,000 Palestinianowned structures, including homes – are currently ‘outstanding’ in Area C of the West Bank. These orders heighten the vulnerability of thousands of poor Palestinian households, some of whom are at imminent risk of forcible displacement.

Israel retains direct control over Area C, which encompasses more than 60 per cent of the West Bank and is home to approximately 300,000 Palestinians.

Due to the lack of adequate planning and discriminatory allocation of public land, it is nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain building permits in most of Area C.