Following persistent reports of Israeli forces confiscating EU-funded construction materials and demolishing EU-supported infrastructure projects in the West Bank, 8 European govts. signed onto a letter demanding that the Israeli govt. pay them more than €30,000 (approx. $35,400) in compensation, according to Palestinian and EU officials (10/19). The Belgian govt. reportedly orchestrated the effort, with France, Spain, Sweden, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, and Denmark participating. European diplomats coordinated the measure after their Israeli counterparts rejected an informal request for compensation during a meeting in 9/2017. The Israelis reportedly argued that the Europeans were facilitating illegal development in Area C of the West Bank, and that their support did not constitute humanitarian aid (Haaretz, 10/19).
Quarterly Updates for (16 Aug 2017 — 15 Nov 2017)