The European Union has urged Israel to stop the demolition of homes in light of a rise in demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures in the occupied West Bank. The Office of the European Union Representative called upon the Israeli authorities “to halt demolitions of Palestinian houses and property, in accordance with its obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law.” The statement also urged Israel “to cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, of designating land for exclusive Israeli use and of denying Palestinian development.” The EU said the statement came in line with its long standing position on this issue, and its strong opposition to Israels settlement policy and actions taken in this context. “The recent military orders against Palestinians in the communities of Ein al-Hilweh and Umm Jamal in the Northern Jordan valley and the community of Jabal al-Baba are leaving properties of up to 400 persons at risk of seizure and demolition,” it added Palestinians from across the West Bank have said that Israeli authorities have given them notices to leave their homes voluntarily, warning they would be evicted by force if they failed to do so.