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.

According to a report issued Feb. 6 by the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (B'Tselem), the Israeli authorities reject most requests for construction by Palestinians in Area C. The report states that Palestinians submitted 5,475 building permits to the Israeli authorities between 2000 and mid-2016, and only 226 applications (4%) were approved.

Between 2006 and the end of 2018, the Israeli authorities demolished at least 1,401 Palestinian homes in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem, resulting in the displacement of at least 6,207 Palestinians, including around 3,134 children, according to B’Tselem. These families either move into caves or head to PA-controlled areas.