Since the start of 2016 the United Nations has recorded 769 demolitions of Palestinian-owned structures in the occupied Palestinian territories, and the eviction of over 1000 Palestinians from their homes by the Israeli government and military forces. 

In the first few months of the year there was a four-fold increase in the number of homes destroyed compared to the same time period in 2015. On average, every week 33 homes are being destroyed. 11,000 structures are currently threatened with demolition orders.

Demolitions are being used as a means of forcibly transferring Palestinians out of certain areas of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and even within Israel itself. The clearing of land and people has been used to pave the way for more illegal Israeli settlements and infrastructure to be built.

The destruction of private property is prohibited by Article 53 of the 4th Geneva Conventions. 

We call on the UK Government, as signatory to the Geneva Conventions, to exert whatever pressure necessary to stop Israel from further destroying Palestinian property, imposing sanctions if needed until Israel complies with international law. 

From the UK Working group for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel: Amos Trust / Church of Scotland / Council of Lutheran Churches / Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine & Israel / Embrace the Middle East / Friends of Sabeel UK / Kairos Britain / Methodist Church in Britain/ Pax Christi UK / Quakers in Britain / United Reformed Church-Commitment for Life

All statistics are sourced from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Occupied Palestinian Territory.

 Photo: ICAHD