Israel Dismantles 'Illegal' Palestinian School in West Bank

Israeli officials demolished a Palestinian school on Sunday, which they claim was built 'illegally' in the West Bank, an action that has drawn severe condemnation from the European Union. One branch of the Israeli army stated in a statement that the building, located about 2 kilometers from Bethlehem, was constructed illegally and posed a danger to those studying and attending there. The army said that a court in Israel had therefore ordered its demolition. The EU delegation for Palestinian affairs expressed deep concern on their official Twitter account over the demolition of a school that reportedly affects 60 Palestinian children. The EU delegation stated that this demolition is 'illegal under international law' and 'only increases the suffering of the Palestinian population' and escalates tensions further. According to Reuters, the Israeli army stated that the building's owner repeatedly rejected Israeli officials' attempts to discuss the building's status before the demolition order was executed. Students and witnesses reported that the building has been reduced to rubble. Witnesses also noted that items from the building were confiscated. An Israeli official source told Reuters that the dispute over the safety of the school building had lasted for six years, and a nearby school is attracting students from the demolished school.