EU reaffirms strong opposition to Israeli settlement policy

BRUSSELS, Feb 6 (KUNA) -- The EU reiterated Saturday its firm opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in this context, including demolitions and confiscation, evictions, forced transfers or restrictions of movement and access.
EU spokesperson for foreign affairs, Maja Kocijancic, in a statement noted that in the past weeks there have been a number of developments in Area C of the West Bank, which risk undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state and driving the parties yet further apart.
On 25 January Israel decided to declare 154 hectares of land near Jericho in the West Bank as state land, and according to the latest reports, decisions have been taken to permit further settlement expansion, involving more than 150 new residential units.
She said that on 3 February several Palestinian residential structures in the south Hebron hills were demolished.
"This is particularly concerning both because of the extent of the demolitions and also the number of vulnerable individuals affected, including children who need support," stated the spokesperson.
Demolitions included EU funded structures. EU humanitarian activities are carried out in full accordance with international humanitarian law, with the sole aim of providing humanitarian support to most vulnerable people, noted the statement.
The EU called on the Israeli authorities to reverse the decisions taken and to halt further demolitions. (end) nk.bs