S&Ds: Postponement of the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar is a wise decision. We expect the Israeli government to come up with a viable and democratic solution

Following the decision of the Israeli government to suspend the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar, vice-president of the S&D Group, Elena Valenciano, stated:

“We take note of the Israeli government’s decision to postpone the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar as a positive step that can pave the way to further discussion. It shows that a viable alternative is possible and is within a reach. It is just a matter of political will. The Khan al-Ahmar community cannot be forcibly displaced against its declared will in any case, and it is certainly not acceptable for them to be relocated next to a garbage dump or near a sewage treatment plant.

“Hence, we strongly encourage the Israeli government to come up with an alternative proposal and, above all, to make any move only in agreement with the families concerned and in respect of international humanitarian law.

“We will keep following the situation closely. Our call to respect human rights in Khan al-Ahmar reflects our deepest commitment to defend the viability of the two-state solution, as the only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is in the same spirit that we firmly condemn all acts of violence on both sides, including rockets, stabbings, and the killing of unarmed protesters and innocent civilians.”