S&Ds: Today the European Parliament sent a clear message to Netanyahu: respect human rights, don’t tear down Khan al-Ahmar

Today, the plenary of the European Parliament approved an important resolution on the threat of the demolition of Kahn 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 - with whom all other Groups negotiated in good faith for a common text - that in the end decided to vote against it, most probably because of the unprecedented pressure brought by the Israeli-lobby organisations. This will have consequences for future negotiations with those Groups. The fact that EPP did not support such an uncontroversial humanitarian text shows that the moderate centre-right in Europe is also moving towards extremist positions on Israel-Palestine conflict ‘a la Trump’.

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: respect human rights; respect the international law; stop your racist, nationalist and cruel policy; don´t tear down the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar. “Today, we dedicate this victory to the people of Khan al-Ahmar. Our battle, our commitment, our tenacious attitude stem from our firm attachment to human rights values and international law, certainly not from some kind of groundless obsession. We believe in the two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians as the only way to secure a future in justice, peace and freedom for both people.

“We believe Israel’s legitimate right to security must be respected, but we cannot remain silent to the strengthening of nationalist, racist and religious right-wing parties. We cannot remain silent if Israel continues putting in place occupations, geographic fragmentation of the West Bank, segregation of its Arab citizens and the oppression of minorities, such as the Bedouin communities. Security needs can never justify violation of human rights.

“Our commitment for peace, mutual respect and human rights will not be silenced.”

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