UN says forced expulsion of Palestinians a ‘violation’ of law

UNRWA representatives say Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood are refugees who have a right to support.

United Nations representatives have denounced the potential forced expulsion of Palestinian families from their homes in occupied East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood as a “violation of international law”. Speaking from Sheikh Jarrah on Wednesday, UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said: “This eviction violates international law and Israel’s obligation as an occupying power. For UNRWA, these Palestinian refugees are experiencing a second displacement in living memory.” He said as head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees it is his job “to protect and assist Palestinian refugees”.