***image2***This month, Occupation forces have issued new demolition orders to communities across the West Bank. A total of 49 residential structures are under threat, affecting families in the areas surrounding Hebron, Qalqilya, Salfit and Nablus.
In a number of villages the structures, all found in Area C, are as of yet uninhabited. In al Hijra, east of Dura in the Hebron district, 7 homes under construction have received demolition orders. The people of al Funduq and Jin Salfut, both in Qalqilya, stand to lose 5 homes and a mosque, all in various stages of construction. These demolition orders follow an established practice, whereby Occupation forces use pretexts of permits to restrict the natural growth and expansion of Palestinian communities.
In a majority of cases this month, however, a number of the homes recently constructed are inhabited. In Nablus, Salfit and Hebron, the curtailing of expansion also entails the displacement of Palestinian residents. In Kafil Haris, Salfit, 8 homes are targeted. Of the 27 people affected, only a small number will be displaced, as only 2 of the homes are inhabited.
The situation is more dire in Nablus. Of the 12 threatened homes in Yatma, half are inhabited and 25 persons will be displaced. In Kafr Qalil 6 of the 13 homes are inhabited by 51 persons.
South of Hebron, 89 people in the small community of Al Tawani will potentially be displaced. Demolition orders are targeting 7 homes, which are constructed simply of metal sheeting and cement blocks. Two rain water wells are also set to be destroyed.
Blocking the growth of Palestinian communities is motivated by the route of the Wall and preserving the surrounding land for settlement expansion. Al Tawani is located directly next to the Ma’on settlement, Kafil Haris is just north of the Ariel bloc and Hijar fall just west of the Haggy settlement, south of Hebron. The threatened communities in Qalqilya are both located long the route of the Wall around another settlement bloc which extends deep into the West Bank.