EU Members Joint Statement on Khan al-Ahmar

The Israeli High Court on 5 September rejected the petitions by the residents of the Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar and allowed the Israeli authorities to proceed with the plans for demolition within seven days. Any day now, the Israeli authorities could start demolishing this community, including its school, and evict the residents from their homes, including many children.

Today, we want to underline our position on the planned demolition of Khan al-Ahmar. We, as member states of the European Union and the European Union as such, have repeatedly stated our long-standing position on Israel’s settlement policy, illegal under international law, as reconfirmed by Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), and actions taken in that context, including the demolitions of Palestinian communities and possible forced transfers of population. The community of Khan al-Ahmar is located in a sensitive location in Area C, of strategic importance for preserving the contiguity of a future Palestinian state.

As repeatedly stressed, the consequences of a demolition of this community and the displacement of its residents, including children, would be very serious and would severely threaten the viability of the two-state solution and undermine prospects for peace.

We therefore call upon the Israeli authorities to reconsider their decision to demolish Khan al-Ahmar.

We, as member states of the European Union, will not give up on a negotiated two-state solution with Jerusalem as future capital of both States. Continued engagement on the ground is needed, in support of building a viable Palestinian state. Including in support of the essential work that UNRWA is doing, and in support of projects that keep the perspective of a two-state solution alive.