|
European Council condemns the demolition of Palestinian
houses in Rafah, Gaza
The Council considered on 17 May recent developments in the
Middle East Peace Process. The Council welcomed the meeting
of the international Quartet held in New York on 4 May and
the statement issued after that meeting. The Council
considered the situation in Gaza and the violence which has
led to the deaths of numerous Palestinians and Israelis. The
Council recalled that the Quartet had called for renewed
efforts towards a comprehensive ceasefire as a step towards
dismantlement of terrorist capabilities and infrastructure
and renewed progress towards peace through the
implementation of the Roadmap.
The Council condemned terror attacks on Israel and called on
the Palestinian Authority to take immediate action against
terrorist groups and individuals who plan and execute such
attacks. The Council recalled that Israel’s legitimate right
to self-defence must be exercised within the parameters of
international law. The Council condemned the large scale
demolition of Palestinian houses in the Rafah district of
Gaza as disproportionate and in conflict with international
law and also with Israel’s obligations under the Roadmap as
recalled by the Quartet on 4 May. The Council called on the
Israeli Government to cease such demolitions immediately.
|