Jerusalem, 24 February 2016
The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah express deep concern at an unprecedented number of demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian structures in Area C in recent weeks, including of EU donor-funded humanitarian aid delivered consistent with international humanitarian law. These include the dismantlement and confiscation of the school in Abu Nwar on 21st February, which was funded by France and is the only school in a Bedouin community severely threatened in its existence, and the virtual complete destruction on 15th February of the community of Ain Rashash, where 60 people including 38 children lost their homes and livelihood structures. Moreover, on 9th -11th February, a demolition campaign took place in various locations in the Jordan Valley, displacing 59 people including 28 minors. Since the beginning of the year, over 480 people have been displaced as a result of demolitions.
The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recall the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of May 2012, July 2015 and January 2016, in which the EU called upon Israel to meet its obligations regarding the living conditions of the Palestinian population in Area C as well as its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in this context, including demolitions and confiscation, evictions, forced transfers including of Bedouins and restrictions of movement and access.
Contact:
EU Press Office on +972-2-541 5888