GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — As part of efforts to preserve the Palestinian presence in the West Bank, the governor of Hebron in the southern West Bank, Jibril al-Bakri, inaugurated Feb. 6 five caves suitable for living in Ar-Rakeez area, east of the village of Yatta, located in Israeli-controlled Area C as per the 1993 Oslo Accord.
Dozens of caves are spread throughout Area C of the West Bank, which hundreds of Palestinians have equipped and used as alternative housing for the past years in light of Israel’s policies. Palestinians who have faced displacement due to Israel banning construction in Area C and considering Palestinian homes illegal, claiming they are located within a military zone, have found refuge in these caves.