"We express our profound shock and strong condemnation of the repeated and ongoing demolition, by Israeli forces, of structures belonging to Palestinian families in Humsa Al Bqai'a and surrounding communities in the occupied West Bank, since 1 February 2021. At least 11 Palestinian families, including 41 children, have been left homeless or were displaced so far as a result of these actions. The ongoing demolitions are particularly appalling, as the targeted structures had been provided by the international community as humanitarian assistance following a first mass demolition by Israeli forces on 3 November 2020.
This destruction of private property is yet another gross violation of Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention. This behaviour represents a direct attack on the dignity and livelihood of the Palestinian people, and creates a highly coercive environment which may amount to forced displacement. We call once again on the Israeli authorities to immediately cease this policy of demolition and displacement, and to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities living under their occupation.”
Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs