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The Consulate hosts a Ramadan Iftar in Susiya

A team from the British Consulate General in Jerusalem shared a Ramadan Iftar meal with the village of Susiya yesterday.

Susiya

British Consul General, Dr. Alastair McPhail, and a team from the British Consulate General in Jerusalem shared a Ramadan Iftar meal with the village of Susiya yesterday evening with the presence of the Governor of Hebron, Kamel Humid. The Consul General organized the Iftar there in support of the community, whose homes are under threat of demolition.

During the visit, Dr. McPhail said:

I have visited Susiya many times before, but I am so happy to be here today, during Ramadan. This is the month that represents peace and compassion. Ramadan in Susiya is different, and reflects social harmony within this society. I hope that the coming Ramadan will bring with it more stable times for this community, filled with peace for everyone.

The British Government’s position against displacement of communities in Area C is clear. Demolitions of property and the evictions of entire communities from their villages cause great suffering to ordinary Palestinians and are harmful to the peace process. They are, in all but the most limited circumstances, contrary to International Humanitarian Law. Therefore, we support the community of Susiya and hope that we will be able to celebrate Ramadan with them here in this village again next year.

The British Government has been a strong supporter of the community in Susiya in recent years, including through regular visits to see the situation on the ground, and by supporting the organisation Rabbis for Human Rights, which offers legal assistance to the community helping them stand against displacement orders, home demolitions and land confiscation.

Published 30 June 2015