The structures set for demolition are located in Area C of the West Bank, where the Israeli government retains full security and administrative control. Around 300,000 Palestinians live in the area, which comprises 60% of the West Bank. According to the OCHA report, most of the structures that will be demolished are houses, therefore placing Palestinian families at a serious risk of forcible displacement. Israel's Civil Administration, the governing body operating in the West Bank, has issued 14,000 demolition orders for structures built by Palestinians without permits. The reason for this, according Lein, is the low percentage of Palestinian applications for building permits that are approved by the administration. Lein further explained that Palestinians have difficulty obtaining building permits even in non-contested parts of Area C. "Even though Palestinians might have ownership over the land, and that might not be disputed by Israeli authorities, their application for building permit would be rejected on the ground that the land is not zoned for construction and for development," he said. For instance, he added, the majority of the land in Area C has already "been allocated either for Israeli settlement, or use of the Israeli military for training purposes." "That's why so many Palestinians are forced to build without the required permits in order to meet their basic housing and livelihood needs, and at the same time, putting themselves at risk of having their investment being destroyed." Demolition of this unpermitted property further only exacerbate the situation, Lein added, because in many cases, Palestinians are left with no choice but to rebuild in the same community. Demolition of this unpermitted property further only exacerbate the situation, Lein added, because in many cases, Palestinians are left with no choice but to rebuild in the same community.
