Violation: Notice of demolition and removal of an agricultural greenhouse within 96 hours.

Date of the Violation: 05/05/2024.

Location: Al-Arroub Camp / Hebron Governorate.

Perpetrator: The so-called Israeli Civil Administration.

Affected Party: Citizen Majed Abu Mariya.

 Description:

 On Sunday, May 5, 2024, Israeli occupation authorities issued a notice to demolish and remove an agricultural greenhouse, claiming it was built without a permit, in Al-Arroub Camp, north of Hebron.

 The greenhouse (plastic house) belongs to Majed Mahmoud Jamil Abu Mariya, who stated that an officer from the planning and construction department of the occupation authorities, accompanied by three soldiers, raided the "Hay Al-Awda" area south of the camp. The officer wrote the notice and handed it to him in person.

 The demolition notice, numbered 21608, was titled "Notice for the Removal of a New Building." The Israeli authorities demanded the demolition and removal of the agricultural greenhouse, restoring the land to its previous state within 96 hours of the notice’s issuance.

Demolition and Removal Notice No. 21608 targeting the agricultural greenhouse

 The affected citizen explained that he had built the greenhouse approximately six months ago on a piece of land he owns, measuring 140 square meters, and had planted it with tomatoes, which were nearing harvest for sale. The project was a source of income for his family of seven, including his parents and three children.

 Greenhouse targeted for demolition and removal

The Israeli authorities based this notice on Article (4) of Military Order No. 1797, regarding the removal of new buildings issued in 2018, which targets new structures and buildings. This order affects homes occupied for less than a month and buildings that were not completed within six months of construction.

 This military order is one of the most dangerous issued by the occupation, as it targets thousands of homes and structures in Area "C," accelerating their demolition under the pretext of lacking permits. It also deprives citizens of their legal right to defend their property or homes. The Israeli authorities have begun implementing this order, receiving legal support from the Israeli Supreme Court, which rejected all appeals submitted by human rights organizations advocating for Palestinian homes. The court granted authority to the Civil Administration to carry out this order.

 It is noteworthy that the Israeli authorities rarely issue permits for buildings and structures in Area "C," even when citizens submit applications and provide proof of ownership of their lands. The occupation authorities often cite other reasons to justify not issuing permits.

 Project: Protecting Palestinian Environmental Rights in Area "C" SPERAC IV - GFFO

 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the Land Research Center and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the project donor; the Norwegian Refugee Council