Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories: As safe as Houses? Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes

Index Number: MDE 15/006/2010
Date Published: 16 June 2010
Categories: Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories

Palestinians living under Israeli occupation in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank face such tight restrictions on what they can build that their rights to adequate housing is being violated. The Israeli authorities condemn as "illegal" homes and other structures built without permits that they control and rarely allow to Palestinian residents, and then order their destruction. Demolition crews, accompanied by security officials, may arrive at any time, giving families little notice or opportunity to remove their possessions.