Israelis demolish EU projects in Palestinian villages as a protest

While media headlines focus on plans to build new Israeli settlements, these are a part of Area C, which was established under the Oslo Accords for exclusive Palestinian development. Area C makes up 62% of the West Bank. However, it is under full Israeli control.

It includes the resource-rich Jordan Valley and the area called E-1, east of Jerusalem, which unites the northern and southern parts of the West Bank. It is the land where new and existing Palestinian communities should be able to develop; it is an important source of water and mineral resources. Without Area C, a viable Palestinian state would not be possible.

Israeli policies have systematically laid the groundwork for making Area C part of Israel. The Civil Administration, the Orwellian name for the military authority that governs the West Bank, requires zoning approval and building permits for new construction. These are almost never approved for Palestinians, while Israeli construction proceeds unhindered.