A delegation of diplomats from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom visited the village of Umm al-Khair in southern Hebron, which was subjected to a massive demolition last Wednesday, June 26, which is the largest demolition the West Bank has witnessed since October 7.

During their tour of the village, the diplomatic delegation was briefed on the impact of the demolition of citizens’ property and its painful impact on society, as the demolition process included a group of residential buildings and the village’s community center, in addition to the electricity generator, which was the primary source of energy for the Umm Al-Khair community.

The delegation called on Israel to stop demolitions and land confiscations in Umm al-Khair and surrounding communities, which would expose local communities to great risks, including the risk of forced displacement. The delegation also confirmed the occurrence of more demolitions in various areas in the West Bank, including the village of Beitillo near Ramallah, Silwan and Al-Tur in East Jerusalem, and Al-Auja east of the city of Jericho. Therefore, the delegation intensified its call to Israel to stop all demolitions throughout Area C and Jerusalem. Eastern.

The delegation also called on Israel to respect all its obligations under Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, including the prohibition of forced displacement, and reiterated its opposition to illegal settlements, which would increase violence and undermine the chances of a two-state solution.

The delegation called on Israel to stop the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian property in accordance with its obligations, as an occupying power, under international humanitarian law. The delegation also called on Israel to stop the policy of building and expanding settlements, and to deprive the Palestinians of development and expansion processes. Failure to adhere to these calls may lead to risks that could be considered violations of international law, and would undermine the chances of a two-state solution, and thus undermine the chances of establishing peace and security in the region.

The diplomatic delegation reaffirms its commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and assisting marginalized communities in Area C, stressing the need for Israel, as an occupying power, to ensure the safety of all Palestinian local communities living in Area C in the West Bank.