The European Union Representative and EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah today expressed concern over Israeli demolition orders against Palestinian homes in Wadi al-Hummos area of Sur Baher, an East Jerusalem suburb, and the eviction of a Palestinian family from its home in Silwan neighborhood for the benefit of Israeli settlers.

“The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah note with concern the stated intention of the Israeli authorities to proceed with the demolition of 10 Palestinian buildings, containing some 70 apartments, which would put at risk of displacement 3 households comprising 17 people, including 9 children, in the Wadi al Hummos neighborhood. The majority of the buildings are located in Area A and B of the West Bank, under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, according to the Oslo Accords, while 2 buildings are in Area C,” said the statement.

“The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah express also concern about the eviction on 10 July of the Siam family in Silwan, a neighborhood of East Jerusalem where several other families from the vulnerable community of Wadi Yasul have received demolition orders, with some 50 cases currently at the Jerusalem District Court.”

The EU statement added: “In line with the EU’s 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 the execution of the intended demolitions and of the eviction.”

It reiterated the EU’s “strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and actions taken in this context, including evictions and demolitions.”

It said, “The continuation of this policy undermines the viability of the two-state solution and the prospect for a lasting peace and seriously jeopardizes the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States.”