The European Union slams new settlement homes, expulsion of Bedouin community

The European Union’s External Action Service blasts Israeli plans announced Wednesday to build nearly 2,000 new homes in settlements throughout the West Bank, which “seriously undermine the viability of a negotiated two-state solution and the prospects for a lasting peace.”

“Yesterday, Israeli authorities approved and advanced plans for the construction of nearly two thousand settlement units in the West Bank. At the same time, the Israeli authorities have stated their intent to demolish the Palestinian community of Khan Al-Ahmar in Area C, which is the main land reserve of a viable and contiguous Palestinian state,” the statement reads, referring to a Bedouin village along Route 1 between Jerusalem and Jericho that the government has decided to relocate to the Abu Dis area east of Jerusalem.

“Building new settlements for Israelis while demolishing Palestinian homes in the same area will only further entrench a one-state reality of unequal rights, perpetual occupation, and conflict, the EU statement says.

“In line with our long-standing position on Israel’s settlement policy, illegal under international law, and actions taken in that context, such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions, and confiscations of homes, the EU expects the Israeli authorities to reconsider and reverse these decisions.”