Jerusalem: European diplomats have called upon Israeli authorities to halt violations occurring in the Silwan neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem, expressing strong opposition to the escalation of forced evictions, demolitions, and settler takeovers of Palestinian homes.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, a statement was issued on Thursday by the European Union Office in the occupied Palestinian territory. It highlighted that the EU representative, along with representatives from EU member states and like-minded diplomatic missions, visited the Batn al-Hawa and Al-Bustan neighborhoods in Silwan.
The visit coincided with a marked increase in forced evictions, demolitions, and the seizure of Palestinian homes by settlers. The statement noted that 14 families have recently been evicted, with 30 additional families, comprising around 175 individuals, facing an imminent risk of displacement. It also warned that over 2,000 residents of Silwan could be forcibly removed from their homes, emphasizing that these measures are illegal under international law.
The EU office pointed out that the recent surge is part of a broader escalation of settler violence, land seizure, and displacement across the West Bank. It also noted intensified efforts to alter the historical, multi-religious, and multicultural character of Jerusalem. The office stressed that the use of discriminatory laws to execute these measures does not absolve Israel of its obligations as an occupying power. It urged Israeli authorities to immediately cease these actions and work towards a sustainable solution that protects the rights of communities to remain in their homes.
In recent months, Israeli authorities have increased the eviction of Palestinian families from Batn al-Hawa and demolished numerous homes in the Al-Bustan neighborhood, located south of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Years ago, the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem announced plans to develop a 'biblical park' on the site of the Al-Bustan neighborhood.
