On Thursday 5 November, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS) denounced the demolition by Israeli forces this week of more than 70 structures, including homes, businesses, and sanitation facilities belonging to 11 Palestinian families with 41 children, in Khirbet Hamsa al-Foqa in the northern Jordan Valley.
“The EU reiterates its call on Israel to stop all such demolitions, including of EU-funded structures, especially in view of the humanitarian impact of the coronavirus pandemic”, the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that this is an “obstacle to peace”.
According to them, this new large-scale demolition “once again confirms the regrettable trend of confiscations and demolitions since the beginning of the year”. It comes on top of the threat of demolition of the Palestinian community school in Ras Al-Teen, (central West Bank), which was co-financed by the EU and several Member States. There are currently 52 Palestinian schools threatened with demolition, according to the EEAS.
“As recalled in the EU Council conclusions, the EU calls for the protection of children, in particular by guaranteeing their right to education in a safe and secure school environment. Education is a fundamental human right that must be protected and maintained”, said the spokesperson.
To the media, the spokesperson said that “this year in particular, this trend (of demolitions) has increased, despite the Covid-19 pandemic”. Demolitions were already up 35% between 2018 and 2019, from 460 to 623, and up 90% for structures financed by the EU and Member States (from 51 in 2018 to 98 in 2019) (see EUROPE 12479/25). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)