Ameen Saeb

In 2022, a total of 953 structures were demolished or seized throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - the highest number recorded since 2016. Of structures demolished, more than 80% (781) were located in Area C. In total, 1,031 individuals have been displaced and 28,446 affected as a result of demolitions. All but 35 of the structures were targeted for lacking building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain in Area C and East Jerusalem

Of the structures targeted in the twelve-month reporting period, 101 structures were funded by the EU or EU Member States (valued at EUR €337,019), representing the third highest financial injury since 2016.

In East Jerusalem, the number of structures being demolished by their owners has risen significantly, from 34% in 2021 to 51% in 2022. Area C continued to experience a rise in targeted structures located in Bedouin and Herding communities. Of concern was also the seizure of structures based on Military Order 1797, which provides only a 96-hour notice and very limited grounds for legally challenging a demolition. A trend observed in Area A and B was the increase in demolitions of structures based on punitive grounds. Demolition orders and waves of demolitions in the communities of Masafer Yatta and Al Walajah were of great concern.

The 6-year high demolition number recorded in 2022 was accompanied by a spike in the scale and severity of settler violence; 849 settler incidents recorded in 2022, representing a 58% increase compared with 2021 and a 123% increase compared with 2020.