Pools, marble and mansions: Inside 100 Palestinian luxury homes in West Bank

A photography book titled "Real Estate Under Occupation" challenges the commonly held image of Palestinian life in the West Bank. The book, published by Regavim, a pro-Palestinian Israeli NGO, showcases 100 privately owned villas and estates across the region. The properties, featured in the book, boast luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, marble staircases, and landscaped gardens.

Regavim's field coordinators photographed all the properties in a single day, capturing the essence of wealth amidst the occupied territory.

In Shuqba, northwest of Ramallah, an estate spanning 4,800 square meters is highlighted, complete with a central swimming pool, landscaped lawns, and a large courtyard. Nahalin, southwest of Bethlehem, features a neoclassical property with seven balconies, a turret, a fountain, and an ornamental pool. Khirbet Zif, located in the Hebron Hills, showcases gated compounds with swimming pools, gardens, guest accommodations, saunas, security cameras, and private access roads.

The introduction of the book employs sarcasm to contrast the term "oppression" with the photographs of luxury homes. Regavim aims to demonstrate how selective imagery can shape public opinion and influence foreign policy. However, it is important to note that the photographs only represent individual examples of wealth and do not indicate the prevalence of such wealth across the Palestinian population.

The World Bank's May 2026 economic update revealed that economic activity in the West Bank remains significantly below its pre-October 2023 level, despite modest growth in 2025. The luxury homes and their American connections, particularly in the villages of Mukhmas, Deir Dibwan, and Turmus Ayya, are prominently featured in the book. Some of these properties were unoccupied during the photographs, which does not necessarily mean they are permanently vacant.

Turmus Ayya's mayor estimated that around 80% of the town's residents hold US citizenship. This estimation is specific to Turmus Ayya and should not be generalized to the other villages. Construction permits for these properties depend on their location, with Area C requiring Israeli approval due to the Oslo agreements. The reviewed material does not support the claim that a significant portion of the featured homes were built without the necessary permits.

UN humanitarian officials have also documented the challenges Palestinians face in obtaining building permits in Area C.

Naomi Kahn, director of Regavim's international division, stated that the international community has been subjected to a biased portrayal of Palestinian life in the West Bank, focusing solely on poverty and oppression. The book's purpose is to present the reality on the ground, showcasing vast villas, swimming pools, and private wealth that are often overlooked in the biased narrative.

"Real Estate Under Occupation" seeks to invite decision-makers and the public to view the full picture with their own eyes, emphasizing the importance of basing international policy on facts rather than manipulation.