EU warns Israel to stop demolition of illegal Palestinian buildings

The EU is demanding that Israel cease demolishing EU-sponsored structures for Palestinians, which in fact were built illegally. 

The European Union’s ambassador to Israel, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, conveyed what has been reported as a diplomatic threat against the Jewish state in a meeting with the new director-general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

“The practice of enforcement measures such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes and humanitarian assets (including EU-funded) and the obstruction of delivery of humanitarian assistance are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law,” the ambassador stated.

“We therefore call on Israel, as the occupying power, to meet its obligations vis-à-vis the Palestinian population (and to) completely stop these demolitions and confiscations and allow full access of humanitarian assistance,” he demanded.

At issue is European Union (EU)-sponsored construction in Khan al-Ahmar, east of Jerusalem.

The Palestinian village is located in “Area C” of Judea and Samaria, which the Oslo Accords recognized as being under custodial control of Israel. Construction must first be approved by Israel’s Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria.

Israel frequently carries out demolitions on structures built without government approval, whether for Jewish communities or for Palestinians.

The EU’s attempt to build Palestinian structures in Area C without permission is an apparent attempt to create new realities on the ground, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pointed out.

“They’re building without authorization against the accepted rules and there’s a clear attempt to create political realities there,” he said several months ago.

“Activities in these territories that are not coordinated with Israel do not advance peace and coexistence between the two sides and give backing to the processes at the UN by the Palestinians, which further distances any chance of an agreement,” Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely added.

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News

Judea and SamariaLars Faaborg-AndersenTzipi Hotovely