RAMALLAH, April 3, 2011 (WAFA) - United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Spokesman, Christopher Gunness on March 30 said while commemorating the Land Day that “I name Land Day Demolition Day. Homes, families, lives and peace process are being demolished.”

He announced that the number of Palestinian buildings in the West Bank demolished by the Israeli authorities has hit a record high for the third consecutive month.

According to the latest UNRWA figures, in March 76 homes or structure were demolished compared with 29 in January and 70 in February. Moreover, The number of people forcibly displaced by these demolitions has also hit a record monthly high with 158 people forcibly displaced in March by demolitions, including 64 children. In January 70 people were displaced by demolitions, including 47 children. In February 105 people were displaced, including 43children.

Gunness said that “So far this year the Israeli authorities have demolished 175 Palestinian buildings and displaced 333 people of which 175 were children. This is having a devastating impact, particularly on women and children, whose lives are being destroyed along with their homes.”

Those contrasting figures show that the Palestinian houses’ demolition has hit a record high, while the number of the Jewish built houses is rising; which contradicts the International law. 

Therefore, he warned that “the policy makers’ peacemaking efforts are being demolished with virtual impunity with the demolition activities increase. The West Bank is where the future Palestinian state is meant to be situated. Its viability is being further eroded with each demolition.”

The UNRWA calls on the peace makers to bring the necessary influences to bear on Israel to end these discriminatory practices. As the High Commissioner for Human Rights said recently, “This culture of impunity leads to more abuses, stimulates anger and resentment on all sides, and impedes the peace process.

Y.Y./F.R.