‘Gross violation’: EU Conde

The European Union issued sharp condemnation following Israel’s recent decision to establish more than 30 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

In a formal statement released on Friday, the EU called the extension a “gross violation” of international law and a direct threat to the long-term goal of a two-state solution.

“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,” the statement said.

“The EU strongly condemns Israel’s unilateral actions aimed at expanding its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 declared unlawful, and urges the Israeli Government to reverse these decisions, comply with its obligations under international law, and protect the Palestinian population of the occupied territories.”

The European Union also condemned violence against Palestinian civilians.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Friday condemned Israel’s approval of 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying the decision violates international law, Al Jazeera reported.

Israeli rights group Peace Now reported late Thursday that the government had made the decision “secretly” in early April. The office of the Palestinian Presidency condemned the plan as a “gross violation of international law.” There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government, according to Al Jazeera.

The 34 settlements approved on Thursday are on top of the 68 settlements approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government since coming to power in 2022, Al Jazeera reported.

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