Local EU statement on demolitions in Area C and on construction work on the separation barrier at Cremisan – 19 August 2015
Published on 19 August 2015
The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah are deeply concerned by an increasing number of demolitions of Palestinian structures in Area C in recent days.
The demolitions on 17 August in four localities in the Jerusalem periphery directly affected 78 people including 49 children, according to UN figures the largest displacement in a single day since December 2012. These localities are all in or close to the planned E1 settlement and affect particularly vulnerable Palestinian communities.
A further 42 people including 27 children were displaced by demolitions in Fasayel, North of Jericho on 18 August. Both demolitions took place at the height of a heat-wave further exacerbating the situation of the communities concerned.
The missions are also concerned at the beginning of works for the construction of the separation barrier in the Cremisan valley on 17 August with the uprooting of trees in an ancient olive grove. If built, the barrier will severely restrict access of 58 Palestinian families to their agricultural land and profoundly affect their livelihoods.
EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recall the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of 20 July 2015, in which the EU called on Israel for a fundamental change of policy with regard to the occupied Palestinian territory. It also reiterated its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in this context, such as building the separation barrier beyond the 1967 line, demolitions and confiscation – including of EU funded projects – evictions, forced transfers including of Bedouins, illegal outposts, settler violence and restrictions of movement and access.
Contact: EU Press Office on +972-2-541 5888
Document Sources: European Union (EU)
Subject: Fence, House demolitions, Internally displaced persons, Separation barrier, Settlements, Wall
Publication Date: 19/08/2015