Representatives from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, EU, Finland,
France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK made a joint
visit to the village of Um al Kheir in South Hebron following a
mass demolition operation on 26 June. This was the largest
demolition operation in the West Bank since 7 October.
During their visit, diplomats witnessed the aftermath of the
demolition of multiple properties and its distressing impact on
the community. This included residential structures, the
community centre and an electricity generator which had supplied
power to the Um al Kheir community.
The delegation called on Israel to halt demolitions and
confiscations in Um al Kheir or Khallet al-Tabe which would be
devastating for the local communities and could raise the risk of
forcible transfer. The delegation also noted further demolitions
had taken place in Beitillu, Silwan, At-Tur, Al Auja, and east of
Jericho city, and called on Israel to halt further demolitions
throughout Area C and East Jerusalem.
The delegation called on Israel to respect all its obligations
under Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, including the
prohibition on forcible transfer, and reiterated their opposition
to illegal settlements, which fuel violence and impede the
two-state solution.
The delegation called on Israel to halt demolitions and
confiscations of Palestinian property in accordance with its
obligations as an occupying power under international
humanitarian law. They also called on Israel to cease the policy
of settlement construction and expansion, of designating land for
exclusive Israeli use, and of denying Palestinian development.
Failure to do so could risk violating international law,
undermines a two-state solution and is a major impediment to
peace and security.
In addition, the delegation reaffirmed their commitment to
upholding Palestinian rights and assisting vulnerable populations
in Area C, emphasising the need for Israel, as the occupying
power, to ensure the safety of all Palestinian communities living
in Area C.
