Israel began demolishing a number of Palestinian homes it considers illegal south of Jerusalem early Monday, in a move which has drawn international concern.

The Palestinians immediately slammed the demolitions in the Sur Baher area which straddles the West Bank and Jerusalem, but Israeli defended the move as essential to its security.

Before dawn, hundreds of Israeli police and soldiers sealed off at least four buildings in the area close to the Israeli security barrier which cuts off the occupied West Bank, a journalist said.

Reporters were prevented from reaching the buildings while residents and activists were dragged out of the homes.

Earthmovers then began demolishing at least three multi-story buildings, of which two were still under construction, the journalist said.