The annual mission report, written by heads of the diplomatic missions of EU member states in the Palestinian Authority, is strongly worded and very critical of Israel’s policies in and around Jerusalem.The EU report on Jerusalem warns that the city has reached a dangerous boiling point of “polarisation and violence” not seen since the end of the second intifada in 2005.
The report describes the emergence of a “vicious cycle of violence …increasingly threatening the viability of the two-state solution”, which it says has been stoked by the continuation of “systematic” settlement building by Israel in “sensitive areas” of Jerusalem.
In addition, the report blames tension over the status of the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount complex as well as heavy-handed policing and punitive measures – including evictions and home demolitions by Israeli forces – for the escalating confrontation.
The report list 40 recommendations suggested by the heads of diplomatic missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah that recommend several steps which include preserving the viability of Jerusalem as the capital of two states, strengthening the religious and cultural identity of Jerusalem, ending East
Jerusalem’s socioeconomic isolation, and strengthening the role of the EU.
The 2014 report suggests a series of potential punitive measures targeting extremist settlers and settlement products. Among the recommendations in the report are:
Potential new restrictions against “known violent settlers and those calling for acts of violence as regards immigration regulations in EU member states”.
Further coordinated steps to ensure consumers in the EU are able to exercise their right to informed choice in respect of settlement products in line with existing EU rules.
New efforts to raise awareness among European businesses about the risks of working with settlements, and the advancement of voluntary guidelines for tourism operators to prevent support for settlement business.
The European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine (ECCP) – founded in 1986 is a network of 52 European committees, organizations, NGOs, unions and international solidarity movements from 22 European countries, dedicated to the struggle of the Palestinian people for freedom, justice and equality
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