UN human rights experts call on Israel to stop razing Palestinian homes

Gravely concerned at the scale of suffering caused by Israel's systematic demolition of Palestinian homes, water sources and livelihoods in the Rafah refugee camp, two United Nations experts today jointly condemned the practice as illegal and called for international action if it continues.

Miloon Kothari, the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, and Jean Ziegler, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, said Israel's actions amounted to "serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law."

The United Nations estimates that during May, 3,451 Palestinians were rendered homeless. Palestinian livelihoods have also been decimated by Israel's razing of land, including olive groves and destruction of waters sources. "All these practices exacerbate the tremendous difficulties already being faced by the Palestinian people, and have a disproportionate effect on women and on children and the elderly," the experts said, stating that the actions were in breach of international human rights law.

The experts also voiced concern over indications that that the Israeli army is considering demolishing another 2,000 homes in Rafah in order to widen the Philadelphia road security zone which runs the length of the international border between Gaza and Egypt.

"The Special Rapporteurs call on the Government of Israel and the Israeli occupying forces to refrain from the further confiscation of Palestinian land and resources to expand the Philadelphia road," they said, noting that depriving the Palestinians of international borders will threaten the economy of any future viable Palestinian State.

While hailing expressions of concern about the situation, the experts urged the international community "to move beyond words to action." They said that if Israel continued to neglect its obligations under international law, the Security Council should consider further steps, including the deployment of an international observer or protection force in the occupied Palestinian territories.

"Such an international force is urgently required to ensure that no further demolition of houses and destruction of livelihood of the Palestinian people take place," the statement said.