European members of the United Nations Security Council on Friday called on Israel to immediately halt demolitions of Bedouin outposts in the Jordan Valley, and demanded humanitarian access to a community living in Humsa Al-Baqai'a.
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In a joint statement at the end of a monthly meeting on the Middle East, Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom said they were "deeply concerned about recent demolitions and confiscations of property by Israel, including structures funded by the European Union and donors."
Israel's activities in Humsa Al-Baqai'a, the statement continued, continue to impact a "community of around 70 people, including 41 children."
"We reiterate our call on Israel to put an end to the demolitions and confiscations. We further call on Israel to allow full, sustainable, and unhindered humanitarian access to the community of Humsa Al-Baqai'a," the diplomatic communique added.
While addressing the UN Security Council, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, also expressed concerns over Israel's activities in the area.
Israel "has demolished or confiscated 80 structures in the Palestinian Bedouin community of Humsa Al-Baqai'a," the Norwegian diplomat said in his statement.
"These decisions have caused the displacement of 63 people, including 36 children, on multiple occasions, and follow similar demolitions that took place in November."
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"I urge Israel to stop the demolition and seizure of Palestinian property throughout the occupied West Bank, including east Jerusalem, and allow Palestinians to develop their communities," Wennesland added.
Humsa al Bqai'a is one of 38 Bedouin and herding communities located in "firing zones" Israel has designated for military training, which covers around 18% of the West Bank.
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
