EU criticies Israel destroying Palestinian structures

(JERUSALEM) - European Union missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed serious concerns on Friday about the demolition this week of 22 structures in eight places across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The destruction displaced 28 people, including 18 children, and affected 120 other people including 57 children, a statement from EU missions in Ramallah and Jerusalem said of the actions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Some of these structures were funded by EU member states, including France, it said.

"These and other recent demolitions appear to put an end to a period in which a welcome reduction in demolitions had been noted," the EU said.

"Since the year 2008 more than 2,400 Palestinian houses and structures have been demolished in Area C of West Bank and east Jerusalem, displacing more than 4,400 people."

Places designated as Area C are under full Israeli control

The statement said that, on May 14, 2012 they had called on Israel to meet its obligations regarding the living conditions of the Palestinian population in Area C, including halting forced transfers of people and demolition of Palestinian housing and infrastructure.

French foreign ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot condemned the destruction of a Palestinian Bedouin camp by the Israeli army on Tuesda in the north of the Jordan Valley.

He said the camp had been financed by France and was "clearly identifiable."

"France has made representations to the Israeli authorities to stop the destruction of homes, the displacement and the destruction... in Area C, which are contrary to international humanitarian law," Lalliot said.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Friday the demolition of two farm sheds and a Palestinian restaurant in Area C on April 19 and the temporary displacement of some 60 people, including 36 children, in the Jordan Valley due to Israeli military training.