House Demolitions in West Bank - by the Occupier greedy for land

Thanks to the 1990's Oslo Accords, Palestine became a series of Bantustans or zoned areas, cutting many off from their lands.  So-called "Area C" lands were designated "Israeli-controlled" areas in 1995...which means simply anyone living in those areas up to today had to think of moving out of the area.  The Israeli government, rather, preferred that land for its own plans of expanding Jewish settlements, WITHOUT compensation to those Palestinian landowners/dwellers whose several generations of residence proved them as original owner/residents.  Up to now, the Israeli occupying government has issued more demolition orders than it can execute, thanks to lack of funds. It's now a game, a toss-up, of uncertainty about WHEN and WHOse structures (houses, animal stables, schools, clinics, water reservoirs, etc. etc.) will get the bulldozer treatment.....

Moussa on incomplete 4th floor of his house in Isbet Tabib/West Bank

 The semi-completed house of Moussa Tabib and family in Izbat Tabib, a village in the Area C zone of Qalqiliya District, has had a demolition order for the past 7 years.   But Moussa has other problems: “I don’t work now since my daughter has been traveling to hospitals to seek treatment.” Her problems started at age 8 months (she is now 5 years old)  with a neural ear defect that needs cochlear implants. One operation was not successful and has left her partially deaf with speech defects. According to one report from a hospital in Jordan, “she needs two more surgeries,” Moussa said.  “This costs me a lot of money, so I’m looking for assistance.”  In the meantime, Moussa awaits the olive harvest in October when he can salvage some of the fruits from his trees which are still accessible.

But all this doesn’t deter Moussa from his other activity - of adding a story to his house little by little, while risking complete demolition at any time. “I don’t fear,” he says. On the 4^th floor which does not yet have walls, he proudly boasts, “This is my room.”  One ground floor room is finished and tiled.  “My house is one of 32 houses (out of 40 houses) in Izbat Tabib having demolition orders. “There is our municipality office which also has demolition orders,” he said, pointing to the next building. When asked, what if the bulldozer arrives at his house:  “I will not move! I will stay in the house!” he repeated, defiantly. He lives with his 4 children, mother, and wife who is ready to deliver their 5^th child anytime.  They wait.  “I don’t care if the bulldozer comes. Let it come.” Moussa seems unconcerned that the demolition will happen. “Maybe the government has run out of money to do these demolitions,” I half joked. 

One daughter is in the 3^rd grade at the primary school next door which has 7 grades and 50 students. “Even the school has a demolition order – all these buildings,” he said as he swung his strong arm around, pointing to the areas from his 4^th floor rooftop. A beautiful panoramic view of the land, viewing Jayyus in the distance sitting majestically on its hilltop, seemed to belie reality. Just below was a main road to large settlements, and the fenced-in area demarcating Area C land – which is under Israeli control. Most of his lands were already cut off from access as they were zoned in Area C with no gate access. Those lands will probably go fallow and become expropriated to the Israeli government, under the infamous and archaic laws of the Ottoman period.  Moussa’s mother showed us how she makes juice from the fruits of the aged tree in front of the house. Her wrinkled smile shown through sun-worn eyes, and told its own story….of possible hope.  Perhaps a worn-out hope. She looks forward to her next grandchild very soon.