Israel Increases Demolition of West Bank Buildings

As Israel demolishes Palestinian buildings in the West Bank at a rapid pace, it is inciting international scrutiny. In the first few months of 2016, Israel surpassed the total number of West Bank demolitions completed last year. From January 1 to March 7, Israel razed an average of 71 buildings a week, compared to the 17 that were destroyed in 2015. Israel claims that it has only demolished illegal structures; however, the international community has reacted with skepticism.On  April 1, the United States Department of State made a statement addressing the recent rise in Israeli demolition of Palestinian buildings in the West Bank. State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau called Israel’s actions “indicative of a damaging trend of demolition, displacement, and land confiscation.” “They also call into question the Israeli government’s commitment to that two state solution,” she said.

Earlier this year, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the issue, reiterating Israel’s legal right to remove illegal structures. Many Palestinian buildings are built without permits and do not adhere to zoning restrictions. However, it is often difficult for Palestinians to acquire building permits and zoning information. The United Nations Assistant Secretary General has called on the European Union to respond to Israel’s actions and hopes to send an effective political message that will deter Israel from pursuing further demolitions.

Meanwhile, the demolitions continue. Israeli forces have bulldozed a variety of buildings, including a school built by the European Union. The damage has left many Palestinian communities in shambles. Families have been forced to leave their homes with less than an hour’s notice to gather their belongings.