Amnesty International: “Israel” Should Halt Forced Evictions of Palestinians

Seventeen families in the Jordan Valley area are at imminent risk of forced eviction after being issued with eviction orders last week.

"These evictions orders are just one example of Palestinians' right to adequate housing being violated and the "Israeli" authorities must immediately cancel all eviction and demolition orders," Philip Luther, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said.

"Palestinians living under "Israeli" occupation face such tight restrictions on what they can build. Whatever choice they make, they face homelessness."

Under "Israeli" law, evicted families are not entitled to alternative housing or compensation, meaning many would face homelessness and destitution.

According to the UN in 2009, more than 600 Palestinians - over half of them children - lost their homes after they were demolished on order from the "Israeli" authorities.

Amnesty International has called on the "Israeli" authorities to place a moratorium on house demolitions and evictions in the West Bank.