West Bank
The West Bank gets its name from its position on the western bank of the Jordan River. It borders Israel, Jordan, and the Dead Sea. Along with the Gaza Strip, the two areas make up the Palestinian territories.
HALO has been clearing explosives in the West Bank since 2014.
Situation in West Bank
Landmines in the West Bank date back to before the Six-Day War in 1967. Dense minefields were laid throughout the highlands and in the Jordan Valley.
From the late 1960s to the early 1970s, Israel laid minefields along its new border with Jordan.
Since then, mines have been a constant danger for families in the region. They cause devastating injuries and death, and destroy livelihoods, especially for farmers.
HALO's work and impact in West Bank
HALO's mine clearance work in West Bank began in 2014. Our multinational team includes Palestinians, Georgians and Israelis.
We work with the Israeli National Mine Action Authority and the Palestinian Mine Action Centre.
During this time, we've built trust across religious and cultural divides. We've cleared six of the nine high priority minefields from Hebron in the south to Jenin in the north.
These mines threaten the lives of local people and livelihoods of surrounding communities.
Clearing the Baptism Site
HALO was asked to clear the site of the Baptism of Christ on the River Jordan, known as Qaser al-Yahud. Landmines prevented pilgrims from visiting eight sacred churches and monasteries here for over 50 years.
We got approval from the Israelis, the Palestinians and all the churches. We began work shortly before Holy Week in 2018.
We cleared an area the size of 56 football pitches.
In April 2020, we were able to return the land to the churches. This sacred site could become a place of worship once again.
Returning the land in An-Nabi Elyas
For many years, the residents of An-Nabi Elyas village, in Qalqiliya district, were unable to use their land. The soil was fertile, but the presence of the largest Jordanian-laid minefield made it too dangerous to farm. Farmers were injured and killed trying to access their fields.
Between 2014 and 2015, HALO worked to clear the minefield. We destroyed over 550 anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. We made safe an area the size of six Manhattan city blocks.
As a result of the clearance, landowners could return home and the whole area could be redeveloped.
A new road was built along the former minefield, running from An-Nabi Elyas to Jayus. Electricity was installed and new water pipes laid so landowners could irrigate their crops.
Other HALO programmes in the Middle East
HALO's work in West Bank is funded by:
