European Deputy Condemns Smotrich's Decision to Evacuate Khan al-Ahmar Village and Calls for Its Cancellation

SadaNews Translation - European Parliament member and chair of the Committee on Relations with Palestine, Lyn Boyleann, strongly condemned the announcement made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who directed Israeli authorities to begin evacuation procedures for the Palestinian Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar in the occupied West Bank.

Boyleann stated in a statement this evening that the European Parliament has repeatedly expressed its opposition to demolition, forced eviction, and the expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law and completely undermine the possibility of a two-state solution.

She added, according to SadaNews translation, "In its resolution issued on September 13, 2018, regarding the risk of demolishing Khan al-Ahmar and other Bedouin villages, the European Parliament called on Israeli authorities to immediately halt the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar and other villages in the area, and end the policy of forced transfer and eviction of Palestinian residents. The Parliament affirmed that these actions constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention."

She continued, "The European Parliament has repeatedly renewed, in subsequent resolutions, its strong opposition to illegal settlement expansion, demolition operations, and the confiscation of Palestinian property, and has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of full respect for international law and accountability for its violations. The Parliament has also consistently supported the work and independence of judicial and international accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court, affirming that accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law is essential for achieving any sustainable peace."

She said, "Khan al-Ahmar village has become a symbol of the fragility of Palestinian Bedouin communities that live under the constant threat of demolition and displacement. Any attempt to proceed with the evacuation of the village or its demolition will have dire humanitarian consequences for its residents, including children, and will exacerbate tensions on the ground."

Boyleann called on Israeli authorities to immediately retract this decision and refrain from any steps that would lead to the demolition or forcible evacuation of Khan al-Ahmar and other vulnerable Palestinian communities in Area C of the West Bank.

She also urged the European Union and the international community to intensify efforts to uphold international law and the right of Palestinian communities to remain on their land, and to increase diplomatic and other efforts aimed at protecting civilians, maintaining the viability of the two-state solution, and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law.

She confirmed that the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with Palestine will continue to highlight Israeli assaults on Palestinian communities and support all efforts aimed at achieving a fair, lasting, and peaceful resolution to the conflict, based on international law and with equality in dignity and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.