We have just received the following information from the UN and NGOs that have been in the Jordan Valley with one of our Jordan Valley Solidaritycoordinators:

“A quick update with revised figures for the demolitions that took place in the Jordan Valley yesterday. We initially reported that over 50 structures had been demolished. Following an in-depth assessment carried out today by several of our partners we can inform that you that in total at least 76 Palestinian structures were demolished in the course of a few hours.

This included:

  • In the community of Al Farisyie, a total of 74 structures were demolished. This included 26 residential tents; 22 animal shelters; 7 taboun ovens; 8 kitchens; 10 bathrooms and a barrack used to store agricultural equipment. As a result, at least 107 people, including 52, have lost their main residences and many personal and other belongings. As many of the families were not present during the demolition, much of their belongings were buried in the rubble. In addition, at least 4 water tanks and large quantities of food and animal fodder were damaged or destroyed.
  • In the community of Fasayile al Fuga, the IDF also demolished a barrack housing a Palestinian family of 9 people, including 7 children, one of them an infant of 10 months.
“In addition, the IDF handed out further “evacuation” and demolition orders in various parts of the West Bank this week, including in the community of Bardala.

“We have attached a revised version of the DWG demolition summary table, updated as of today. As you will see, at least 198 Palestinian structures have been demolished since the beginning of the year, resulting in the forced displacement of almost 300 Palestinians, half of them children, while 600 others have been otherwise affected.

“These recent developments are of grave concern, in particular in light of recent statements made by Israeli authorities to the effect that they will be stepping up demolitions of Palestinian structures throughout Area C (see below). Needless to say such actions have devastating humanitarian consequences for Palestinian families and communities. In addition, as highlighted before, they run counter to international law, which prohibits the displacement of the civilian population as well as the destruction of private or public property. Once again we ask you to do what you can to protest yesterday’s events and make it clear that demolitions and displacement are not acceptable and must be brought to a halt immediately.”

The Displacement Working Group (DWG), a dedicated forum that brings together key Palestinian and Israeli NGOs and UN agencies, was established to improve and coordinate efforts that aim to prevent forced displacement through advocacy and legal support and, when it does occur, ensure that those affected are provided with adequate emergency care and assistance.