The UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs (OCHA) said about 1,100 Palestinians, over half of them children, were forcibly displaced after Israel demolished their homes in 2011.
According to a report issued by OCHA on Tuesday, these figures reflected an increase of 80 percent compared to 2010.
The Israeli occupation forces destroyed 622 structures owned by Palestinians, a 42 percent increase compared to 2010. This included 222 homes, 170 animal shelters, two classrooms and two mosques (one of them demolished twice).
The number of rainwater cisterns and pools destroyed in 2011 (46), was more than double last year (21), with tens of other related structures vulnerable to future demolition.
Most of these demolitions, 90 percent, and displacement, 92 percent, occurred in already vulnerable farming and herding communities in Area C; thousands of others remain at risk of displacement due to outstanding demolition orders.
In east Jerusalem, there was a significant decrease compared to previous years, with 42 structures demolished; however, at least 93,100 residents, who live in structures built without a permit, remain at risk of displacement.
Over 60 percent of the Palestinian-owned structures demolished in 2011 were located in areas allocated to settlements. 70 percent of Area C is off-limits for Palestinian construction, allocated instead for Israeli settlements or the Israeli military; an additional 29 percent is heavily restricted.
Only 13 percent of east Jerusalem is zoned for Palestinian construction, much of which is already built up, compared with 35 percent, which has been expropriated and zoned for the use of Israeli settlements.
Ten out of 13 communities visited by OCHA in Area C reported that families are being displaced because Israeli policies make it difficult for them to meet basic needs. The inability to build was one of the main triggers for this displacement.
"The forced displacement of Palestinian families and the destruction of civilian homes and other property by Israeli forces in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have a serious humanitarian impact. Demolitions deprive people of their homes, often their main source of physical and economic security. They also disrupt their livelihoods, reducing their standard of living and undermining their access to basic services, such as water and sanitation, education and health care," OCHA stressed in its report.
It also added that "according to Israeli authorities, demolitions are carried out because structures lack the required building permits. In reality, it is almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain permits. The zoning and planning regime enforced by Israel in Area C and East Jerusalem restricts Palestinian growth and development, while providing preferential treatment for unlawful Israeli settlements."
OCHA demanded Israel, as the occupying power in the West Bank, to fulfill its international obligations towards Palestin¬ian civilians, administer their occupied areas for their benefit, end demolition of their homes and structures, and ensure they have access to fair and effective zoning and planning for their communities.
It reminded Israel to the fact that international law prohibits the forced displacement and transfer of civilians as well as the de¬struction of private property.
