International Community Condemns Israel's Approval of New Settlements in Occupied West Bank
Spain, Iceland, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Malta, France, Canada, and the Netherlands have condemned the Israeli National Security Council's approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement published on the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs website, these countries consider this decision to be a violation of international law and part of a broader policy aimed at intensifying colonization in the West Bank. They warn against the risks of increased instability and emphasize that these measures could also compromise the implementation of the global plan for the Gaza Strip, as efforts are underway to progress to the second phase of the plan. The signatories reaffirm their clear opposition to any form of territorial annexation and to settlement expansion policies, including the approval of the E1 settlement and the construction of thousands of new housing units. They call on Israel to reverse this decision and the expansion of settlements, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334. Reaffirming their support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, the signatory countries reiterate their commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. This solution envisions the existence of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, within safe and recognized borders, emphasizing that there is no alternative to a negotiated solution based on this framework.
