BRUSSELS, February 9, 2016 (WAFA) – Israel’s continuing confiscation of private Palestinian lands in the West Bank risks undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state and driving the parties, Israelis and Palestinians, yet further apart, according to a recent statement by the European Union External Affairs office.

The statement came in response to Israel’s decision on January 25 to declare 154 hectares of land near Jericho in the West Bank as state land, as well as its decision to permit further settlement expansion, involving more than 150 new residential units.

The EU also condemned Israel’s demolition of several Palestinian residential structures, included EU funded structures, in the south Hebron hills on February 3. “This is particularly concerning both because of the extent of the demolitions and also the number of vulnerable individuals affected, including children who need support,” the EU statement added.

EU spokesperson called on the Israeli authorities to “reverse the decisions taken and to halt further demolitions.”

On January 18, Foreign Ministers in the European Union Council confirmed the EU‘s firm opposition to Israel‘s settlement policy and actions taken in this context, including demolitions and confiscation, evictions, forced transfers or restrictions of movement and access.

M.N