BRUSSELS, Monday, July 22, 2019 (WAFA) – The European Union (EU) today said that Israel’s forced transfers, eviction and demolitions are illegal under international law, calling on Israel to immediately halt the ongoing demolitions in Wadi al-Hummus area of Sur Baher neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem.
Israeli authorities started early today demolition of 10 Palestinian buildings, containing some 70 apartments, in Wadi al Hummus. The demolitions displaced 24 Palestinians, including nine children. The majority of the buildings are located in Area A and B of the West Bank where, according to the Oslo Accords, all civil issues are under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority.
“Israel‘s settlement policy, including actions taken in that context, such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes, is illegal under international law,” said a statement issued by the European Union spokesperson. “In line with the EU‘s long-standing position, we expect the Israeli authorities to immediately halt the ongoing demolitions.”
The spokesperson said, “The continuation of this policy undermines the viability of the two-state solution and the prospect for a lasting peace and seriously jeopardizes the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States.”
T.R./M.K.
