The diplomatic missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah of Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom issue the below statement.

Yesterday diplomatic missions visited the Bedouin community of Ras ‘Ein al-‘Auja in the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank, where the conditions may amount to forcible transfer.

On Friday, 9 January 2026, approximately one quarter of the community, 26 families (124 people including 59 children), were forced to flee their homes due to escalating violence by Israeli settlers.

Sixty more households, the bulk of the remaining community, can only remain if protection is provided. Without it, they will be forced to leave. Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to protect Palestinian civilians including preventing settler violence.

Yesterday we observed the sustained coercive environment driven by Israeli settler violence and the Israeli authorities’ restrictions on water, construction, movement and grazing in Area C. We recall the July 2024 ICJ Advisory Opinion. Combined, Palestinians have no choice but to leave: 85 Palestinian communities in Area C have been forced to flee in the last three years alone.

Forcible transfer is strictly prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention and a grave breach of international humanitarian law. Israel must prevent further violations and to uphold its legal obligations.
We therefore call on Israel to:
• Immediately halt all measures and practices that may be contributing to the forcible transfer of Ras ‘Ein al-‘Auja’s residents
• Ensure effective protection of the civilian population from settler violence and intimidation
• Guarantee full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to the community
• Investigate and hold accountable all perpetrators of violence and coercion against residents
• Facilitate the immediate, safe and voluntary return of families who have already been displaced.