The undersigned diplomatic missions express their strong solidarity with the Palestinian community of Mughayir a-Deir. The community’s long-standing residents were recently forced to abandon their homes and belongings due to escalating settler violence and a prevailing climate of impunity.
Israeli settlers have established an outpost just metres from the community, which is a clear violation of international law. Mughayir a-Deir was one of the last remaining Palestinian communities in the area. Seven neighbouring communities have already been displaced amid a broader and deeply troubling pattern of violent settler attacks and a lack of protection by the Israeli authorities.
We therefore urge the Israeli authorities to dismantle the outpost immediately and to take urgent and effective measures to enable the safe return of the displaced residents. It is imperative that the community is protected from further violence and intimidation.
Mughayir a-Deir is not an isolated case—it reflects a broader pattern of displacement in Area C of the West Bank, where a coercive environment marked by repeated settler violence, movement restrictions, land confiscation, demolitions and inadequate access to essential services is making life untenable and pushing communities to leave. Tens of thousands of Palestinians in Area C face a high or imminent risk of forcible transfer. This alarming trend gravely undermines prospects for a just and lasting peace.
We call on Israel to respect its obligations under international law, including the prohibition of forcible transfer. We also reaffirm our clear and consistent opposition to settlements, which are illegal under international law. We emphasise Israel’s responsibility to protect all Palestinian communities in Area C.
The Consulates General of Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and the Representative Offices of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands, as well as the Office of the European Union Representative to the West Bank and Gaza
