BRUSSELS, July 5, 2018 (WAFA) – The European Union Wednesday called on Israel to stop demolition of Palestinian structures in areas  under its control and meet its obligations under international law.

An EU spokesperson said Israeli demolition of structures in the Palestinian community of Abu Nuwwar, east of Jerusalem, and preparations for demolishing the Palestinian community of Khan Al-Ahmar, while resettling the residents against their will, 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.”

The two communities are located within or near the so-called E1 in area C, which is critical for the contiguity a future Palestinian state.

“In line with our long-standing position on Israel‘s settlement policy, illegal under international law, and actions taken in that context, such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes, the EU expects the Israeli authorities to reverse these decisions and fully meet its obligations as an occupying power under International Humanitarian Law,” said the spokesperson in a statement.

M.K.