House demolitions in the occupied territories
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Over 60% of all houses demolished by Israel are done during military or land clearing operations. An IDF Layer investigated the demolitions during Operation Cast Lead's attacks on Gaza and found that "justifying such operations will be exceedingly difficult". These buildings in Qalqilya were destroyed in 2002, displacing over two dozen families. |
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Types of demolitions
Punitive demolitions:
Houses demolished as punishment for the actions of people associated with the houses.
This policy was suspended by the Israeli army in February, 2005 after it reached the conclusion that rather than deterring attacks, punitive demolitions only enflame the people and lead to more attacks.
The practice was resumed on 19 January 2009. Although this is thought of by most people as the main reason why houses are demolished, in fact punitive demolitions account for only 8.5% of all defined demolitions.
Administrative demolitions:
Houses demolished for lack of a building permit. This happens in Area C and in East-Jeruzalem, under exclusive Israeli authority, thought prior to the existence of Areas A, B & C it occurred in other areas as well. It is important to point out that in almost all cases, Palestinians have no choice but to build "illegally" as permits will not be granted.
It is also the case that in Area B, if a house is in close proximity to a military base or a road used by the military or settlers, it may also face administrative demolition.
This type of demolition accounts for approximately 27% of defined demolitions.
Land-clearing operations/Military demolitions:
Houses demolished by the IDF in the course of military operations for the purposes of clearing off a piece of land (for whatever reason) achieve a military goal or to kill wanted persons as part of Israel's policy of extrajudicial executions.
Military demolition account for about 65.5% of defined demolitions.
Undefined demolitions:
ICAHD is collecting information and investigating the status of many demolitions carried out between 1967-1982.
Preliminary results indicate these will include demolitions from all categories but with the majority being land-clearing operations/military and punitive.
STATISTICS ON HOUSE DEMOLITIONS IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES (1967-2009)
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