European Union: The Situation for Palestinians in East Jerusalem Remains Dire

SadaNews Translation - The new EU representative in Palestine, Alexander Schuttsman, stated, "The situation for Palestinians in East Jerusalem remains dire. The Silwan area, in particular, has witnessed a serious escalation in forced evictions and demolitions."

He added in a statement, according to SadaNews translation, "In the Batn Al-Hawa and Bustan areas, more than 50 families, equivalent to about 300 people, have been displaced from their homes over the past eighteen months. Nearly 200 homes are facing the imminent threat of eviction or demolition in these two areas alone."

He emphasized the EU's strong opposition to Israeli settlement policies and activities, including within and around East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law. Israeli laws do not exempt Israel from fulfilling its obligations to manage the occupied territories in a manner that provides protection for local populations.

He stated that unilateral actions taken in this context, such as forcible transfers, evictions, demolitions, and home confiscations, will only exacerbate the already tense situation and lead to further humanitarian suffering.

He called on the relevant Israeli authorities to put an end to these practices and to fully comply with their obligations under international law.