Resolution on the case of the al-Kurd family

Following the debate which took place during the sitting of 20 November 2008, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the al-Kurd family.

The text adopted in plenary had been tabled as a resolution by the following political groups: EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, UEN, Greens/ALE, GUE/NGL.

The Parliament recalls that on the night of Sunday, 9 November 2008, members of the Israeli police and armed forces evicted the al-Kurd family from their home in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem where they had lived for more than 50 years, immediately afterwards, they allowed settlers to enter the family's house and then sealed off the area. This eviction was carried out on the basis of an order issued by the Israeli Supreme Court on 16 July 2008 following long and controversial legal proceedings on disputed ownership before Israeli courts and authorities.

The Parliament expresses its deep concern at the eviction of the al-Kurd family, the recent destruction of the houses of Palestinian families by the Israeli authorities in several areas of East Jerusalem and the possible serious consequences of these measures. These operations, which seriously affect the lives of the residents of these areas, contravene international law. It calls on the Israeli authorities to put an end to them as soon as possible.

Whilst acknowledging the independence of the Israeli judiciary within the internationally recognised borders of the State of Israel, Parliament recalls that under international law East Jerusalem is not subject to the jurisdiction of Israeli courts.

Given that the eviction took place despite international objections, Parliament states that this decision may pave the way for the takeover of 26 more houses in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. Therefore, MEPs call on the Council, the Commission and the international community, including the Quartet, to make all possible efforts to protect Palestinian residents in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood and other areas of East Jerusalem and calls on the Quartet to play a more active role in this direction.

Parliament reiterates its call to the Israeli authorities immediately to halt any expansion of settlements and the building of the security fence beyond Israel's 1967 borders, actions which are contrary to international law and are undermining peace efforts. It affirms that such actions can only damage the chances of reaching a peace agreement between Palestinians and Israelis; urges Israel to refrain from all unilateral measures that may pre-empt the result of the final status negotiations, particularly in Jerusalem.