In July 1999, José María Aznar became the first international president to arrive in the new country via a Mediterranean air corridor. The arrival of the Spanish leader’s plane carried symbolic weight in a region deeply marked by conflict. Spain contributed 30 million euros toward the infrastructure cost, with the remaining budget supplied by the European Union.
Yet the airport operated only briefly. It was rendered unusable after separate attacks by the Israel Defense Forces in 2001 and 2002. The events left a lasting imprint on the area, underscoring the fragility of regional projects that rely on political stability for endurance.
This situation drew the attention of the European Union, which pressed Tel Aviv for compensation related to assets that had been demolished, dismantled, or confiscated and financed with EU funds. Brussels reported that at least 16 joint letters were sent to Israeli authorities between October 2017 and December 2022, signed by representatives of EU institutions, member states, and other donors. Israel did not provide a direct answer. The Union indicated it would persist with diplomatic and political channels to seek resolution.
This publication sought information on the matter from Israel through its embassy but did not receive a response by the issue’s close.
demolition of schools
EU diplomats stationed in Jerusalem continue to advocate for cooperative projects. For instance, on April 27, delegations from EU member countries and the European mission in Palestine visited a school in Jubbet Adh Dhib near Bethlehem. The school faced demolition threats from Israeli authorities. Despite efforts, the structure was demolished a week later. The EU delegation noted that 81 Palestinian children, from kindergarten through primary, were left without a school. This outcome is not singular; it reflects a broader pattern. Across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, there are dozens of schools affected by policies and actions on the ground.
The European Union condemned these demolitions as contrary to international law because they occurred in occupied territories. In 2022, the occupation authorities reportedly destroyed or expropriated 954 facilities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. That tally marked the highest annual figure since 2016. Most losses occurred in Area C, with Israel retaining control over land and resources and maintaining a strong security presence. The presence includes military bases, shooting ranges, and settlements.
Raid and destruction in Jenin
In recent days, Israeli forces entered the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank with heavy gear, including armored vehicles, drones, and bulldozers. Houses, roads, and schools were damaged as clashes occurred. The operation resulted in the loss of 12 Palestinian lives and a Israeli soldier. Jenin, a focal point for Palestinian armed groups, hosts thousands of civilians who depend on basic services amid heightened tensions.
Since the start of the year, reporting indicates that violence related to the conflict has claimed at least 190 Palestinian lives and 26 Israeli lives, along with casualties from other nationalities. Since 2008, United Nations tallies show a long record of casualties among both communities, with many civilians among the dead. The tally highlights the human cost of ongoing hostilities and the challenge of distinguishing military objectives from civilian harm.