In 2016, the number of Palestinians killed in security incidents has decreased though the number of Palestinians whose homes and shops were demolished by the Israeli authorities has increased, according to the annual report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Palestinian territory (OCHA).

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According to the report, in 2016, the number of Palestinians inside and outside the Green Line killed by conflict-related violence declined by 37% compared to the same figures in 2015. At the same time there was a 48% drop in the number of Israeli fatalities in incidents with Palestinians, consistent with the gradual decline in the security escalation that began a year earlier.

(Photo: Ohad Zwingenberg)

However, the report also noted that the number of Palestinians in the West Bank who lost their homes in 2016 due to the demolition of houses and structures by the Israeli authorities was the largest in comparison to all the years in which the UN has been documenting the demolitions (since 2009). The report also included 29 houses that the security forces sealed as punishment for the families of terrorists who carried out attacks against Israelis.

The report stated that thousands of Palestinians living in Area C in the West Bank and east Jerusalem are facing the risk of being uprooted due to Israeli policy. In the Gaza Strip, in 2016, some 9,000 families remained 'homeless' as a result of Operation Protective Edge.

(Photo: Ohad Zwingenberg)

The report also referred to the restrictions on the movement of people from the Gaza Strip, including access to basic and humanitarian services, but also noted that the volume of goods exported from the Gaza Strip has significantly increased. The report also accused Egypt of increasing isolation on the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing closure of the Rafah crossing.

It also said that Israel tightened restrictions on the entry and exit of aid workers from the Gaza Strip. 31% of the requests submitted by these parties were refused. This may be related to cases in which the Shin Bet arrested activists of such organizations who assisted Hamas and its military wing, while exploiting their role and status.

"The crisis in the Palestinian territory stems mainly from the lack of protection of Palestinian civilians—from violence, loss of shelter, restrictions on access to services and livelihoods and other violations of their rights," said David Carden, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "This crisis affects the weakest and most vulnerable, especially children. Trends may vary from one year to another, but what remains constant is the widespread lack of protection and exhaustion of law for violations of international law."