Statement on the demolitions in area C of the occupied West Bank

Today,  Israeli authorities have demolished structures in the Palestinian community of Abu Nuwar, and started preparations for demolishing the Palestinian community of Khan Al-Ahmar, while resettling the residents against their will. 

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

These demolitions, 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. 

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.