The Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center (JLAC) strongly condemns the misleading propaganda disseminated by the Israeli NGO Regavim, particularly their recent statement criticizing the Israeli Civil Administration for allegedly prioritizing the demolition of structures built by Israeli settlers while leaving Palestinian structures untouched. This narrative is false and only aims to obscure the realities and injustices faced by the Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

The construction activities of Israeli settlers are openly aimed at seizing more Palestinian land. Settlers often build without permits, operating under the belief that all of Area “C” is Israeli land, a claim that is not recognized under international law and is deemed illegal by numerous international bodies. These structures aim to expand settlements, leading to the appropriation of Palestinian land and contributing to the fragmentation of the West Bank, undermining any prospects for a contiguous and viable Palestinian state.

In contrast, Palestinian construction is driven by the urgent need to accommodate the natural growth of their communities. Areas “A” and “B” are becoming increasingly overpopulated, compelling Palestinians to build in Area “C” to sustain the development of their towns. These lands are historically and legally Palestinian privately owned land, and building there is essential for ensuring the livelihood and well-being of their families. It is worth mentioning that 99% of Palestinians’ requests to obtain a building permit in area “C” are rejected.

Regavim's assertion that the Israeli Civil Administration is lenient towards Palestinian structures is categorically false. The reality is that the Israeli authorities have a long-standing policy of disproportionately targeting Palestinian structures for demolition. According OCHA reports from the beginning of 2024 alone, Israeli authorities have demolished 501 Palestinian structures, including residential, agricultural, and livelihood structures. These demolitions have resulted in the displacement of 936, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

In their recent statement, Regavim criticized the Israeli Civil Administration for demolishing a structure built by Israeli settlers [on a private Palestinian owned land] in Qarawat Bani Hassan while leaving a Palestinian "villa" on top of the hill untouched. The term "villa" is used by Regavim to misleadingly imply that Palestinians possess lavish homes, while settlers are deprived. JLAC has been actively working since December 20, 2022, to legally intervene and prevent the

demolition of this house, where eight people reside, including six children who face the risk of forcible displacement if the demolition occurs.

Narratives like those propagated by Regavim ignore the broader context of Israeli settlement expansion and the severe restrictions imposed on Palestinian construction. While isolated instances of enforcement against settlers do occur, they are exceptions rather than the norm. Propaganda such as this aims to justify the continued and increased demolition of Palestinian structures.

The demolitions carried out by Israeli authorities predominantly target Palestinian communities, systematically undermining any ability to develop and sustain lands and homes. This violates the basic human right of property and shelter and perpetuates a cycle of instability.

JLAC calls for an immediate end to the biased and discriminatory demolition practices carried out by the Israeli occupation forces. We urge the international community to recognize and address the systemic injustices faced by Palestinians in the West Bank and to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.

It is imperative to understand that the struggle of the Palestinian people is one of survival and resistance against an occupying force that seeks to dispossess them of their land and rights. Regavim's propaganda attempts to invert this reality and must be rejected in the pursuit of truth and justice.