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EU condemns Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements in West Bank
The European Union has denounced Israel’s recent decision to further expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, “The European Union condemns the planned so-called legalization of five Israeli settlement outposts and the announcement of thousands of new housing units in the occupied West Bank.”
The statement also criticized Israel’s ongoing policies of dispossession in the West Bank, warning that these actions could lead to a de-facto annexation and must be stopped. It emphasized that Israel’s settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories violate international law, escalate tensions, and undermine efforts to achieve a two-state solution. The EU called on Israel to reverse these decisions.
Reaffirming its position, the EU stated, “In line with its longstanding common position and UN Security Council Resolutions, the EU will not recognise changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed by the parties.”
Belgium’s International Development Minister Caroline Gennez also condemned Israel’s actions, stating on X: “The new expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is a flagrant violation of international law and undermines a two-state solution.”
She urged the international community to apply pressure to halt these illegal expansions.
Last week, Israel’s Cabinet approved measures to “legalize” settlement outposts in the West Bank and impose sanctions on the Palestinian Authority.
Israel’s official broadcasting authority KAN reported that the Security Cabinet approved a plan to counter Palestinian statehood recognition and actions in international courts. The plan includes measures against the Palestinian Authority, the legalisation of five settlement outposts, and the issuance of tenders for thousands of new housing units in settlements.
It also involves revoking permits and benefits for Palestinian officials, restricting their movement, and preventing senior officials from leaving the country.
Additionally, it includes removing executive powers from the Palestinian Authority in the southern West Bank, enforcing laws against unauthorised construction, and protecting heritage sites and environmental areas.
Under international law, all Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are considered illegal.
