Israel demolishes 6 structures, destroying livelihood of Palestinian refugee families

AIC- Today, 11 July 2011, six structures were demolished in Al Khalayla, a dislocated community of Area C on the Jerusalem side of the Barrier. The demolished structures were used for livelihood purposes by six families, of whom at least two families are refugees.

Givon Hadasha, the Israeli colony near the Palestinian village of al Khalayla, where Israel demolished six structures today

Background on al-Khalayleh

Al Khalayla is inhabited by some 700 Palestinians, including 250 West Bank ID holders, and is entirely located in Area C on the Jerusalem side of the Barrier near Giv’on Hadashah settlement (Giva’at Ze’ev settlement bloc). It is built on lands that are historically part of the nearby Al Jib village. Approximately half of the West Bank ID holders are UNRWA registered refugees.

Following construction of the Barrier in 2005, Al Khalayla residents were cut-off from the remainder of the West Bank and could only enter the West Bank through Al Jib checkpoint (on foot) or via Ramot and Beit Iksa checkpoints (vehicle). Residents’ names (both West Bank and Jerusalem IDs) are on a list at Al Jib checkpoint so that they can to reach service centers such as Bir Nabala and Biddu enclaves. Residents, including children, must always carry their identification documents to cross.

There are no schools, clinics, mosques or a cemetery in Al Khalayla and access by visitors or relatives is only possible for those who are able to obtain permits. There is a Palestinian-plated bus (with one driver) to transport students to Al Jib, Beit Iksa and Biddu that can cross through Al Jib. Residents can only bring in a limited amount of food item through the checkpoints and there are often problems and coordination requirements regarding the entry of meat, dairy products, gas and construction materials.
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Following construction of the Barrier, the water supply from Al Jib was disconnected for a month and the subsequent extension laid aboveground has low pressure. Electricity is provided by the Jerusalem Electricity Company. Garbage was previously collected by a truck from Al Jib but now burnt solid waste can be found near every house in the community, posing a health hazard.


Building Restrictions and Demolitions

Residents report that since the 1980s, no new construction permits were granted and that there are regular demolitions, including of booths, car wash garages, house extensions and fences. The demolitions reportedly took place in 2009. Demolitions are often accompanied by confiscation of goods. Additionally, there is a number of pending demolition orders.