The European Union condemns the demolition of the EU-funded school in Jubbet Adh Dhib in the occupied Palestinian territory carried out by the Israeli Defence Forces. The EU has been following closely this case and has asked the Israeli authorities not to carry out the demolition which directly affects 81 children and their education.
The EU recalls that demolitions are illegal under international law, and children’s right to education must be respected. The EU calls on Israel to halt all demolitions and evictions, which will only increase the suffering of the Palestinian population and risk enflaming tensions on the ground.
Last year saw a total of 954 structures demolished or seized by occupation authorities throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem – the highest number recorded since 2016. More than 80% of the demolished structures (781) were located in Area C. In total, 1,032 individuals have been displaced as a result of demolitions. This year is already following a similar worrying trend.