JERUSALEM, May 29, 2026 (WAFA) – The European Union Representative Office said on Friday that the situation for Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem remains dire, noting in particular that the Silwan area has witnessed a dramatic escalation of forced evictions and demolitions.
In a statement issued in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah, the office said that in the neighborhoods of Batan al Hawa and Bustan, more than 50 families, amounting to around 300 people, have been displaced from their homes over the past 18 months, while nearly 200 homes are facing imminent eviction or demolition in the two neighborhoods alone.
The statement reiterated the European Union’s strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and activities, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, stressing that they are illegal under international law.
It added that Israeli domestic laws do not exempt Israel from fulfilling its obligations to administer the occupied territory in a manner that provides for and protects the local population.
The statement further warned that unilateral actions taken in this context, including forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes, will only escalate the already tense environment and lead to further human suffering.
The European Union called on the relevant Israeli authorities to put an end to these practices and fully comply with their obligations under international law.
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