EU urges Israel to reconsider Khan al-Ahmar decision

By Serife Cetin

BRUSSELS

The European Union on Friday urged Israeli authorities to "reconsider their decision to demolish Khan al-Ahmar," according to a statement.

EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, said in a written statement that the Israeli High Court rejected the petitions by residents of Khan al-Ahmar and allowed Israeli authorities to proceed with plans for the demolition.

"The European Union and its Member States have repeatedly stated their long-standing position on Israel’s settlement policy, illegal under international law, and actions taken in that context, including the demolitions of Palestinian communities and possible forced transfers of population," Mogherini said.

The consequences of demolition of the community and the displacement of its residents, including children, against their will, "would be very serious and would severely threaten the viability of the two-state solution and undermine prospects for peace," she said.

On July 5, Israeli bulldozers destroyed a number of tents and other structures in Khan al-Ahmar, triggering clashes with local residents.

There are 46 Bedouin communities scattered across Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem inhabited by some 3,000 residents.

Under the 1995 Oslo agreement between Israel and Palestine, the West Bank was divided into A, B and C zones. The administrative and security authority of area A was given to Palestine while the administration of area B was given to Palestine but its security to Israel, while administration and security authority went to Israel in area C.

Khan al-Ahmar is located in area C.

A 700-person Bedouin community in the village of Abu Nuwar, also located in area C, has refused to leave despite continuous threats and pressure from the Israeli authorities.