Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – The European Union has stated that Israel’s recent decision to establish more than 30 new settlements in the occupied West Bank is illegal under international law and seriously undermines the prospects for peace and a two-state solution.

According to a spokesperson for the EU External Action Service, the European Union strongly condemns Israel’s unilateral actions to expand its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. These actions were also deemed unlawful by the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on July 19, 2024. The EU has urged the Government of Israel to reverse these decisions.

The spokesperson further emphasized that Israel must uphold its obligations under international law and ensure the protection of the Palestinian population. The EU also strongly condemns the continued and escalating violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians.

The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, in line with relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.