EU Inaugurates Multipurpose Building for Palestinians

Bethlehem, MINA – European Union (EU), Denmark, and Palestine on Thursday inaugurated two multipurpose buildings in the villages of Al Ma’asarah and Marah Mi’allah in Bethlehem.

Both buildings are located in Area C of the West Bank, which is under Israeli occupation, where Palestinian development activities are not permitted, but the European Union argues that this development is in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“The area of the two buildings is 630 square meters and will serve more than 2,000 Palestinians,” said a joint press release, Wafa reported on Thursday.

The European Union provides € 310,000 and Denmark provides € 215,000 to support the development of social infrastructure in the villages of Al Ma’asarah and Marah Mi’allah.

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The inauguration was attended by representatives from the European Union, and the Danish Government Representative in Ramallah, the Ministry of Regional Government, the Bethlehem Governorate, and the Loan and Development Fund of the City of Bethlehem.

Two multipurpose buildings will function as permanent buildings as a multipurpose building center for local social and public events.

“By investing in projects in Area C, we are investing in the future of the Palestinian State. Projects like the one we believe will help bring positive change to the lives of Palestinian people, “EU officials said.

“The EU will continue to support projects that promote economic development and improve the quality of life of Palestinian people in Area C in areas such as the private sector, environment, and agriculture,” said Simone Petroni, Head of the EU Political Section.

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Petroni said he was proud to have funded the construction of a multipurpose building in the village of Marah Mi’allah.

Meanwhile, Nathalia Feinberg, Head of Mission, Danish Representative Office in Ramallah, marked Denmark’s strong commitment to continuing to build Area C in the West Bank, along with Palestine.

“We believe this support is very important, both for the future life of Palestinian people, and the prospects for peace and a Palestinian state in the future,” he said.

These newly inaugurated buildings are part of the EU and the Member States which support development in Area C. All EU activities in the West Bank are fully in line with international humanitarian law.

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The EU provides humanitarian assistance to people in need in Area C in accordance with the humanitarian mandate. The EU is also working with the Palestinian government to develop Area C and support construction in the Palestinian territories.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennet recently warned that it would destroy Palestinian construction in Area C, even funded or built by donor countries such as the European Union. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)