The European Union has called on Israel to stop demolishing Palestinian homes, some of which are EU-funded, and re-stated its opposition to the expansion of settlements.

In a statement, the EU diplomatic service said last weekend: "In the past weeks there have been a number of developments in Area C of the West Bank which risk undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state and driving the parties yet further apart."

Last month, Israel declared 154 hectares of land near Jericho, in the West Bank, to be state land. It is reportedly planning to build around 150 new homes for settlers there.

According to the EU, European government-funded structures were demolished alongside Palestinian residences in the south Hebron hills last Wednesday.

"This is particularly concerning both because of the extent of the demolitions and also the number of vulnerable individuals affected, including children who need support.

We call on Israel to reverse the decisions taken

"We call on the Israeli authorities to reverse the decisions taken and to halt further demolitions," the EU statement said.

Last Thursday, Israeli forces demolished five tents, three barns and an outside toilet in the village of Tammun, in the West Bank, which it said had been built without permits.

In a separate development this week, a group of 50 European lawmakers called on their Israeli colleagues to reject the so-called NGO bill, arguing that it was "inherently discriminatory" and could hurt efforts to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

The controversial legislation passed its first reading on Monday.