EU foreign policy chief warns Israel over decision to demolish bedouin village

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Council

European Union (EU) foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini has warned Israel that there will be dire consequences of demolishing Al-Khan Al-Ahmar, a bedouin village east of occupied Jerusalem.

In a statement, Wednesday, Mogherini said the EU was monitoring the situation closely. She added that the village is in a “very sensitive” area.

Mogherini explained that Israel’s plans to build new settlements contradict with international law. They also threaten a two-state solution and lasting peace in Palestine.

Read: Palestinian Khan Al-Ahmar resident released from Israeli custody

Mogherini called on the Israel to reconsider the demolition decision and abide by international law. 190 Palestinians live in Al-Khan Al-Ahmar. The village also has a school that provides education services to 170 students from surrounding areas. Yet Israeli settlements also encircle the village.

The Israeli Supreme Court has issued a temporary injunction against the demolition orders.

According to Palestinian observers, Israel will seize 12,000 dunums from East Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. If it goes through, the project will help isolate occupied East Jerusalem, separating it from the rest of the West Bank.

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