EU Reaffirms Firm Opposition to Israeli Settlement Expansion

DID Press: European Union has voiced deep concern over the escalation of forced evictions and home demolitions affecting Palestinians in East Jerusalem, while reiterating its firm opposition to Israeli settlement activities.

In a statement issued in coordination with EU diplomatic missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah, the bloc said the situation facing Palestinians in East Jerusalem remains deeply troubling.

According to the statement, the Silwan area has witnessed a significant increase in forced evictions and demolitions in recent months. In the neighborhoods of Batan al-Hawa and Al-Bustan, more than 50 Palestinian families—around 300 people—have reportedly been displaced from their homes over the past 18 months.

The EU added that nearly 200 residential properties in the two neighborhoods are currently at imminent risk of demolition or forced eviction.

The bloc reaffirmed its strong opposition to Israeli settlement policies and activities, including those in East Jerusalem and surrounding areas, stressing that such measures are considered illegal under international law.

The statement further emphasized that Israeli domestic legislation does not exempt the country from its obligations as an occupying power or from its responsibility to protect the local population.

The European Union warned that unilateral actions, including forced displacement, evictions, demolitions, and property confiscations, would only deepen tensions and exacerbate humanitarian suffering.

It called on Israeli authorities to halt such measures and fully comply with their obligations under international law.