EU condemns Israeli demolitions of east Jerusalem shops

The European Union is a frequent vocal critic of Israeli building in east Jerusalem and settlement activity in the West Bank.

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
Updated: NOVEMBER 25, 2018 12:13
A narrow alleyway inside Shuafat Refugee Camp (photo credit: UDI SHAHAM)
A narrow alleyway inside Shuafat Refugee Camp
(photo credit: UDI SHAHAM)
The European Union on Saturday denounced Israeli activity in Arab neighborhoods of east Jerusalem and the advancement of plans for Jewish building in areas of the city over the pre-1967 lines.
“The policy of settlement construction and expansion in east Jerusalem continues to undermine the possibility of a viable two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both states, which is the only realistic way to achieve a just and lasting peace,” stated the office of EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
It took issue with the demolition of some 16 illegal commercial buildings in the Shuafat refugee camps in east Jerusalem.
The EU also spoke out about the Jerusalem Municipality’s advancement of plans for close to 800 houses in the Jewish neighborhoods of Ramat Shlomo and Ramot.
Last week it condemned legal proceedings that could lead to the eviction of 700 Palestinians living in the Silwan neighborhood of east Jerusalem.
“The European Union is strongly opposed to Israel's settlement policy, illegal under international law, and actions taken in that context, such as forced transfers, evictions and demolitions,” Mogherini’s office said. “The EU expects the Israeli authorities to reconsider and reverse these decisions."
The European Union is a frequent vocal critic of Israeli building in east Jerusalem and settlement activity in the West Bank.
Outgoing Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat took issue with the EU statement, particularly its reference to the Shuafat as a refugee camp.
Even the EU should understand that it is time to stop false description of Palestinian refugees, he said. "Jerusalem is one unified and sovereign city, with no refugees but residents. They will now receive services from the municipality like any other resident," he said.