France Urges Israel Not to Demolish Khan al-Ahmar Village

Paris, MINA — France joined several other European countries on Tuesday in calling on Israel not to demolish the Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar, east of Jerusalem, WAFA reported.

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian expressed in a statement France’s deep concern at Israeli plans to demolish the village and displace its Palestinian residents.

“France expresses its very deep concern at the situation in the Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar in the West Bank (Area C),” he said. “Under the Israeli Supreme Court ruling, the decision to demolish this village lies with the Israeli government.”

Le Drian said he joins the European Union (EU) high representative, Federica Mogherini, in calling on the Israeli authorities not to go ahead with the demolition of this village.

“France reaffirms that the demolition of infrastructure and homes in the West Bank, a Palestinian occupied territory, are contrary to international humanitarian law, and in particular the fourth Geneva Convention – since they will result in the evacuation and forced transfer of populations – and the Security Council resolutions,” he said.

“France is paying particular attention to the case of Khan al-Ahmar given its location in an area of strategic importance for the contiguity of a Palestinian state and for the viability of a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital. It therefore warns of the potential humanitarian as well as political consequences of the demolition of this village and the displacement of its inhabitants.”

Le Drian said France is continuing its efforts to preserve the two-state solution in collaboration with the EU and its close international partners.   (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)