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Israel - settlement expansion

EU attacks Israel's expansion plans

Article published on the 2009-11-18 Latest update 2009-11-18 17:43 TU

Palestinian women watch the demolition of a house in the Arab neighbourhood of Isawiyeh in East Jerusalem on November 18, 2009.Photo: Reuters/Ammar Awad

Palestinian women watch the demolition of a house in the Arab neighbourhood of Isawiyeh in East Jerusalem on November 18, 2009.
Photo: Reuters/Ammar Awad

The European Union Presidency on Wednesday criticised Israel's plans to expand settlements in East Jerusalem. The same day, Israeli bulldozers demolished Palestinian-owned houses in the Arab neighbourhood.

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The EU presidency said it was "dismayed" by Israel's decision to add 900 new homes to the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem.

"Settlement activities, house demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem are illegal under international law," said an official statement.

Britain and the UN have also criticised Israel's decision, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon saying it "undermined efforts for peace".

United States President Barack Obama warned on Wednesday that the move could prove "very dangerous" as Israel continues to alienate Palestinians.

Israel's Interior Minister Ellie Yishai responded by stating that construction in Jerusalem "cannot be halted".

The comments come on the same day that Israel destroyed a Palestinian-owned house in East Jerusalem.

The building is reported to have been home to two Palestinian families.

Israel issues demolition orders for buildings that do not have a valid construction permit. Palestinians say such permits are impossible to obtain.

Hageet Aufran, spokesperson for the Israeli non-governmental organisation Peace Now, was in Silwan, in East Jerusalem, on Wednesday and witnessed the destruction of a second house.

Aufran described the scene for RFI: "I see them demolishing the house, now pulling at its frame. There are many police here, many people... The police are making sure that there is no one inside.

"There is an old guy here, a Palestinian, who is being pushed by the police. Many people in the neighbourhood are standing and watching the house being demolished, and there is somebody shouting at the police."