The EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed “strong concern” about the Israeli dismantling and confiscation of a donor-funded women’s center and kindergarten serving the Bedouin and refugee community of Jabal al-Baba on the outskirts of Jerusalem on 25 July.
The EU missions also called on the Israeli authorities to rebuild the structure in the same place.
The diplomats reiterated the EU’s strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and actions taken in this context including demolitions and confiscations evictions and forced transfers which all threaten the two-state solution.
“In line with its long-standing position on this issue . . . the EU calls upon the Israeli authorities to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in accordance with its obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law” a statement by the EU missions read.
The diplomats also urged Israel to “cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion of designating land for exclusive Israeli use and of denying Palestinian development.”
Jabal al-Baba is located in Area C of the occupied West Bank which is under full Israeli military and administrative control. Israel does not allow Palestinian development or construction in this area which it retains exclusively for Jewish settlement construction and expansion despite of their violation of international law.
