The U.N.'s top aid official said on Tuesday that Israel must suspend the forced eviction and displacement of civilians from their homes in the West Bank and Al-Quds. Valerie Amos, the U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator who has just returned from visiting the region, described the policy as illegal under international law and said it had devastating, long-term humanitarian consequences for residents. “Palestinians are utterly frustrated by the impact of Israeli policies on their lives,” Amos said. “Their homes are regularly demolished. They cannot develop their communities.” Amos said Palestinians needed the right to move freely and in safety throughout the West Bank, including Al-Quds and the Gaza Strip to access services and resources. “Freedom of movement is imperative for Palestinians to develop their economy and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance,” she said. Amos said she was deeply moved by the impact of the barrier on the Palestinians in the Al-Quds governorate. “At 700 kilometers long, with 85 percent of its route inside the West Bank, the Barrier cuts off communities from basic services, denies people access to their homes, and leaves thousands of people dependent on humanitarian handouts,” Amos said. --MORE
