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World News

International faith groups condemn demolitions of Palestinian homes

by Hannah Tooley

Following an increase in demolitions, the Israeli army has demolished around 63 homes and basic structures across 10 Palestinian communities, in a region known as Area C.

Among the demolished structures were 12 basic humanitarian necessities, including a solar panel, a portable toilet, pens for livestock, and tents financed by the European Union.

Organisations, including Christian Aid and the Church of Sweden have said international donors should try and get back the costs of their destroyed buildings and help to resuppy the aid.

Three years ago the European Union said it expected Israel to protect the aid in these areas.

It has been reported that at least 356 structures, including 81 internationally funded aid items, have already been demolished in the same area this year.

"Demolitions are pushing Palestinians to the brink and destroying prospects for peace. Instead of developing their communities and their livelihood, thousands of Palestinians in Area C are living in misery with the constant fear that tomorrow, their home could be gone and they could be forced to leave their land," said Catherine Essoyan, Oxfam's Regional Chair.

Christian Aid's Policy and Advocacy Officer for Israel and the Palestinians, Said William Bell, said: "The international community must use all of its influence to prevent the ongoing destruction of Palestinian property and continued displacement from their land.

"To allow this to continue is to further erode the notion of peace with justice and security for all."

These organisaitons are warning that some 'relocated' communities have been hardest hit and have stressed that Palestinian village of Susiya, which is not one of the communities within the plan, could additionally be facing mass demolition and forced transfer in the coming weeks.

The government of Israel said that demolitions and the transfer of communities in Area C is partly due to communities lacking Israeli planning and building permits.

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