On Friday, a European diplomatic delegation criticized the Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes and facilities in the Jordan Valley in the West Bank during an inspection tour in the region.
Heads of missions and representatives of the European Union and the United Kingdom made an inspection visit to the Homs-Buqai`a gathering in the Jordan Valley, to see the Israeli demolitions a few days ago.
The visit took place two days after the Israeli occupation demolished more than 70 homes belonging to the community, leaving three-quarters of its residents, including 41 children.
The European delegation met the residents, as well as representatives of civil society organizations active in the gathering, and was informed of what was happening in the region.
The delegation expressed its deep concern about the demolition process, especially with the entry of winter amid the ongoing Corona pandemic, noting that some of the buildings that were demolished had been funded by the European Union and its member states.
"This large-scale demolition confirms the worrying and harmful trend of demolitions, evictions and confiscations since the beginning of the year," said the European Union representative in Palestine, Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorf.
He added, "The devastating impact of this demolition is particularly severe on children, women and families, in clear violation of international law and basic human rights."
The European diplomat considered that "such actions not only constitute a flagrant violation of Israel´s obligations as the occupying power, but also raise questions about Israel´s commitment to the two-state solution."
Burgsdorf urged the Israeli authorities to stop the demolition of Palestinian buildings, "in line with the European Union’s firm position on the Israeli settlement policy, which is considered illegal under international law."
Since the beginning of the year 2020, Israel has demolished 689 structures throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, a number that exceeds what was demolished during the entire year since 2016, which led to the displacement of 869 Palestinians and left them homeless.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Palestinian Territories, demolitions are a major means of creating an environment intended to force Palestinians to leave their homes.
