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by Chris Carlson for imemc

In 2014, Israeli authorities destroyed 590 Palestinian-owned structures in West Bank Area C and occupied East Jerusalem, displacing some 1,177 people, according to OCHA figures.

To be noted, this is the highest level of displacement in the occupied West Bank since OCHA began systematically monitoring the issue in 2008.

According to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealed in a report that, since the 1st of January, Israeli authorities have demolished 77 Palestinian homes and farms in the West Bank and Jerusalem, displacing 110 Palestinians, half of whom are children.

The report further states that Israeli forces demolished 493 homes in West Bank, displacing 960 Palestinians, and 97 homes in occupied Jerusalem, displacing 308 Palestinians.

The planning policies applied by Israel in Area C and East Jerusalem discriminate against Palestinians, making it extremely difficult for them to obtain building permits. As a result, many Palestinians build without permits to meet their housing needs and risk having their structures demolished.

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, James W. Rawley, expressed concern over Israel’s recent demolitions in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and has called for an immediate halt to forced displacement in the West Bank.

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