Today, the plenary of the European Parliament approved an important
resolution on the threat of the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar and
other Bedouin villages. We are proud to have pushed the majority of
this house to come together and stand firmly behind such a
sensitive and important issue for the compliance of human rights
and international law. We strongly deplore the attitude of the EPP
and ECR that in the very end decided to vote against the
resolution, in the climate of an unprecedented...Request free trial
Today, the plenary of the European Parliament approved an important
resolution on the threat of the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar and
other Bedouin villages. We are proud to have pushed the majority of
this house to come together and stand firmly behind such a
sensitive and important issue for the compliance of human rights
and international law.
We strongly deplore the attitude of the EPP and ECR that in the
very end decided to vote against the resolution, in the climate of
an unprecedented pressure by pro-Israeli government lobby
organisations. The fact that EPP did not support this humanitarian
call shows that the moderate centre-right in Europe is moving
towards dangerous positions on Israel and Palestine. S&D
Group vice-president, Elena Valenciano said:
“Today, the European Parliament sent a clear and loud message to
the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: don’t tear down the
Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar, respect human rights; respect the
international law.
“Our commitment stem from our firm attachment to human rights
values and international law, and from our unwavering belief in the
two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians as the only
way to secure a future in justice, peace and freedom for both
peoples.
“We believe Israel’s legitimate right to security, but we cannot
remain silent to the implementation of nationalist and racist
policies by its government. We cannot remain silent if Israeli
authorities continue putting in place occupation, geographic
fragmentation of the West Bank, segregation of its Arab citizens
and the oppression of minorities, such as the Bedouin communities.
Security needs cannot justify these violations of human rights and
international law."
