In August we documented the demolition by the Civil Administration of 50 residential structures in various Palestinian communities in Area C of the West Bank. In an unusually large scale campaign, Israeli authorities demolished the homes of over 200 people, approximately half of whom are minors. To the thousands of Palestinians living in dozens of Area C shepherding and farming communities, most of which are not connected to the water and power grids, the humble tents and shacks that were ruined were home, and the livestock pens razed - a vital source of livelihood.
Israel’s policy of demolishing homes and sources of livelihood is unlawful, prevents the Palestinian residents of these communities from leading a normal life, and is striking in its systematic and enduring cruelty.
All the photographs below were taken by B’Tselem’s field researchers in August – a single but devastating month.