EU urges Israel to stop demolitions in Palestine

By Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) – The European Union on Thursday called on Israel to stop demolishing Palestinian structures, including the ones funded by the 27-member bloc.

“The EU reiterates its call on Israel to halt all such demolitions, including of EU-funded structures, in particular in light of the humanitarian impact of the current coronavirus pandemic,” spokesman Peter Stano said in a statement.

He said that “such developments constitute an impediment towards the two-state solution."

This week, Stano said, Israeli forces demolished more than 70 structures, including residential, livelihood and sanitation facilities, belonging to 11 Palestinian families.

The press release noted that 52 Palestinian schools are also under threat of demolition, including one in the central West Bank co-funded by the EU and several member states.

“The EU calls for the protection of children, including ensuring their right to education in a safe and secure school environment,” it said.

“Education is a basic human right that should be protected and maintained."

As many as 689 structures have been demolished across the West Bank and East Jerusalem so far this year, leaving 869 Palestinians homeless, according to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Israel occupied Palestinian territories including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip in 1967.

The Palestinians want these territories -- along with the Gaza Strip -- for the establishment of a future Palestinian state.