PRESS RELEASE : Diplomatic Missions condemn demolitions in South Hebron [July 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2024.
Diplomatic Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn demolitions during visit to Um al Kheir, South Hebron.
Representatives from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK made a joint visit to the village of Um al Kheir in South Hebron following a mass demolition operation on 26 June. This was the largest demolition operation in the West Bank since 7 October.
During their visit, diplomats witnessed the aftermath of the demolition of multiple properties and its distressing impact on the community. This included residential structures, the community centre and an electricity generator which had supplied power to the Um al Kheir community.
The delegation called on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations in Um al Kheir or Khallet al-Tabe which would be devastating for the local communities and could raise the risk of forcible transfer. The delegation also noted further demolitions had taken place in Beitillu, Silwan, At-Tur, Al Auja, and east of Jericho city, and called on Israel to halt further demolitions throughout Area C and East Jerusalem.
The delegation called on Israel to respect all its obligations under Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, including the prohibition on forcible transfer, and reiterated their opposition to illegal settlements, which fuel violence and impede the two-state solution.
The delegation called on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian property in accordance with its obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law. They also called on Israel to cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, of designating land for exclusive Israeli use, and of denying Palestinian development. Failure to do so could risk violating international law, undermines a two-state solution and is a major impediment to peace and security.
In addition, the delegation reaffirmed their commitment to upholding Palestinian rights and assisting vulnerable populations in Area C, emphasising the need for Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure the safety of all Palestinian communities living in Area C.
