France concerned over humanitarian structures’ demolition by Isreal

Paris, Aug 12 (IANS) France on Thursday condemned Israeli forces' demolition of French and EU humanitarian structures in the West Bank which have increased alarmingly this year, the country's foreign ministry said.

"France expresses its serious concern over the accelerating pace of demolitions and confiscations of humanitarian structures for the Palestinian population in Area C," Xinhua reported.

Area C makes up 60 per cent of the West Bank. It has been under complete Israeli military control since the mid-1990s.

Paris also called on Israeli authorities "to stop these operations which are contrary to international law."

On August 3, Israeli forces demolished France-funded structures in the West Bank, the third such operation since the start of the year.

EU buildings aimed at helping Palestinians affected by earlier demolitions, were also destroyed in Hebron, according to the ministry.