The European Union countries have expressed their concern and strong opposition to the Israeli occupation authorities ’policy of demolishing Palestinian buildings in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and their settlement policy and measures taken in this context.
She said, "The continuation of this policy violates international law, impedes the possibility of a two-state solution and the prospects for achieving lasting peace in the region, and seriously undermines the possibility of Jerusalem being the future capital of the two states."
A statement issued by the representative of the European Union stated, "The missions of the European Union countries in Jerusalem and Ramallah are following with concern the continuation of the Israeli authorities to carry out the demolition of Palestinian buildings in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in 2020. These demolitions have resulted in them. It included facilities financed by the European Union and its member states, to the displacement of Palestinians and damage to Palestinian communities.As of August 31, 2020, a total of 107 housing units and 46 other units (including shops, storage rooms, etc.) have been demolished in East Jerusalem alone.
In this context, the delegations of the European Union indicated that the demolitions have continued since the outbreak of the "Covid-19" epidemic in early March, despite the multiple responsibilities of the occupying power under international humanitarian law.
The statement stressed "the firm position of the European Union regarding the Israeli settlement policy, which is considered illegal under international law, as are other measures taken in this context, such as forced displacement, expulsion, demolition and confiscation of homes."
The European Union urged "the Israeli authorities to stop demolishing Palestinian buildings," and welcomed "Israeli Supreme Court decisions to cancel demolition decisions in the Jenin and Hebron governorates."
