EU: Israel’s settlement policy is illegal under international law so that all actions taken in that context, such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes are violations of international law.

The EU mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah on Tuesday called on Israel to stop demolition policy pursued against Palestinian structures in occupied West Bank and Jerusalem.

In a statement, the mission said that the demolitions have led to the displacement of Palestinians and caused damage to Palestinian communities.”

The mission noted that “as of 31 August 2020, a total of 107 housing units and 46 other structures (including shops, storage rooms, etc.) had been demolished in East Jerusalem alone”.

Meanwhile, it said that the demolitions have continued since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early March “notwithstanding the various obligations of the occupying power under international humanitarian law,”calling on Israel to halt the demolitions.

“In line with the EU’s long-standing position on Israel’s settlement policy, illegal under international law, and actions taken in that context, such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes, the EU once again urges the Israeli authorities to halt demolitions of Palestinian structures,” it added.

For his part, the Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, Fadi al-Hadmi, welcomed the European consensus regarding Israel’s demolition policy.

Al-Hadmi said in a statement that the EU mission’s position was in line with the Palestinian position.

 

Source: Palestine Post 24