Briefing: effect of Israeli demolitions on Palestinian communities

Palestinian communities in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) are at imminent risk of forcible transfer at the hands of Israeli authorities. Thousands have already been displaced, and the education and livelihoods of even more effected, by demolitions throughout the years. The demolition of Palestinian structures violates numerous elements of international humanitarian law, including the prohibition of forcible displacement, a war crime. Coupled with Israel’s ongoing expansion of its illegal settlements in the oPt, the dramatic increase in the demolition of Palestinian structures shows Israel’s blatant disregard for standards of international law and intransigence on the issue.