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UN envoy voices serious concern over demolition of Palestinian property in West Bank

UN envoy voices serious concern over demolition of Palestinian property in West Bank

Terje Roed-Larsen
The senior United Nations envoy for the Middle East peace process, Terje Roed-Larsen, voiced serious concern today for the demolition of Palestinian homes and commercial property in the West Bank town of Tulkarem by the Israeli military.

A statement released in Gaza by Mr. Roed-Larsen’s office said such actions by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) have resulted in clashes and protests leading to the injuries of at least four Palestinians.

Mr. Roed-Larsen, the UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, expressed particular concern for the economic and humanitarian impact that such actions will have on the local community and economy. “They will have a real negative impact on Palestinian livelihoods and further the sense of hopelessness,” he said.

The UN envoy also noted that such demolitions constitute a breach of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power under the Fourth Geneva Convention. He called on the Government of Israel to stop further demolitions, including those carried out in connection with the construction of a security wall in the northern West Bank.