CMEP Bulletin: Demolishing Area C Homes

House Demolitions

Over 400 Rabbis have signed a letter released February 3rd in response to Israeli government opposition of a high court petition submitted by Rabbis for Human Rights that requests Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stop administrative demolitions of Palestinian homes in Area C. Following the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into areas A, B and C. Area A, about 3%, is under the authority of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Area B, about 23-25%, is under Palestinian civil authority and joint Palestinian-Israeli security authority. Area C, 72-75%, is under Israeli authority.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, James W. Rawley, issued a statement January 23rd expressing concern over the recent “spate” of demolitions of Palestinian homes. “The planning policies applied by Israel in Area C and East Jerusalem discriminate against Palestinians, making it extremely difficult for them to obtain building permits. As a result, many Palestinians build without permits to meet their housing needs and risk having their structures demolished. Palestinians must have the opportunity to participate in a fair and equitable planning system that ensures their needs are met.”

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