UNRWA Reports Record House Demolitions By Israel

Monday April 04, 2011 23:48 by David Steele - 1 of International Middle East Media Center Editorial Group

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reports that Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes and other buildings reached a record high in March.

According to UNRWA, 76 buildings were demolished in March, resulting in the displacement of 158 people, including 64 children. This brings the total number of displaced persons in 2011 to 333, including 175 children. UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness claimed that this was “discrimination against one ethnic group”.

Under article 53 of the 4th Geneva convention, demolition of homes in the occupied Palestinian territories is illegal except in cases of absolute military necessity. Ongoing demolitions have been roundly criticized by the UN and other international groups, as well as by human rights organizations.

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