UN Special Coordinator statement on house demolitions by Israel in the West Bank – UNSCO press release

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

Statement

The UN Special Coordinator, Robert Serry, is alarmed at the recent resumption of house demolitions by Israel in the West Bank, after a freeze dating back to April of this year.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are directly raising the UN’s humanitarian concerns with the Israeli authorities, given the impact of these actions on some of the most vulnerable populations in the West Bank; with many poor families rendered destitute. The actions are also a political step back from the commitments Israel has made and send a discouraging signal regarding its support for the strenuous and concerted efforts underway to improve conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory and build greater trust and confidence in support of the political process.

The Special Coordinator calls on Israel to adhere to its commitments by reinstituting a moratorium on house demolitions and protecting vulnerable civilians from displacement and loss of livelihoods.

Jerusalem

1 November 2008

More information: Richard Miron: +972 54 562 7825