On Wednesday 4 July, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS) condemned the Israeli authorities' demolition the same day of structures in the Palestinian community of Abu Nuwar, and the start of preparations for demolishing the Palestinian community of Khan Al-Ahmar, while resettling the residents against their will.
"The communities are located within or near the so-called E1 in area C, which is critical for the contiguity of a future Palestinian state", the EEAS spokesperson says in a press release. According to NGOs, 62 people are now found homeless in Abu Nuwar and the Palestinian community of Khan Al-Ahmar has round 180 inhabitants.
"The EU expects the Israeli authorities to reverse these decisions and fully meet its obligations as an occupying power under International Humanitarian Law", the spokesperson states, reiterating that the settlements and related activities were illegal.
According to the spokesperson, these demolitions, together with plans for new settlement construction for Israelis in the same area, exacerbate threats to the viability of the two-state solution and further undermine prospects for a lasting peace.
On 31 May, the EEAS spokesperson had asked Israel to reconsider its intention to demolish Khan Al-Ahmar (see EUROPE 12032). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)