EU says demolitions of Palestinians' houses sabotage 'prospects for peace'

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - The EU said Friday that demolitions of Palestinians' houses "undermine the prospects for peace," and urged the halting of such "unlawful" actions.

"We reiterate our call to halt demolitions and any other unlawful practices that coerce Palestinians out of their homes," the EU Delegation to the Palestinians said on Twitter. "Demolitions are illegal under international law and significantly undermine the prospects for peace."

It added that 21% more structures were demolished or seized in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the equivalent period in 2020, and 28% more people were displaced, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Twenty-two Palestinians, including 15 children, lost their homes on Tuesday, said the agency.

It added that in one day, Israeli authorities destroyed and confiscated several dwellings, tents, livestock enclosures and buildings under construction.