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EU Slams Israel's "Illegal" West Bank Expansion: 30 New Settlements

The European Union has issued a formal condemnation of Israel's decision to establish more than 30 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, labeling the move a flagrant violation of international law. The EU statement warns that this expansion severely undermines the prospects for a two-state solution and also condemns growing settler violence against Palestinian civilians. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has similarly condemned the approvals, which were reportedly made secretly in early April. This latest batch adds to over 68 settlements approved since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government took power in 2022.

Key Points: EU Condemns Israel's New West Bank Settlements as Illegal

  • EU condemns settlement expansion as illegal
  • Action threatens two-state solution
  • OIC also condemns the move
  • Over 100 settlements approved since 2022
  • Palestinian Presidency calls it a flagrant violation
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EU condemns "Illegal" Israeli expansion: 30 new West Bank settlements spark global outcry

The EU strongly condemns Israel's approval of over 30 new West Bank settlements, calling it a flagrant violation of international law and a threat to peace.

"The recent Israeli decision to establish over 30 new settlements... is illegal under international law and severely undermines prospects for peace. - EU Statement"

Brussels, April 11

The European Union issued a 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 labeled the expansion a "flagrant violation" of international law and a direct threat to the long-standing goal of a two-state solution.

"The recent Israeli decision to establish over 30 new settlements in the occupied West Bank is illegal under international law and severely undermines prospects for peace and the two-state solution," the statement read.

"The European Union strongly condemns Israel's unilateral actions aiming to expand its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 declared to be unlawful, and urges the Government of Israel to reverse these decisions, to abide by its obligations under international law and to protect the Palestinian population of the occupied territories," it added.

The EU also condemned the violence against Palestinian civilians.

"We equally condemn the continued and growing settler violence against Palestinian civilians. The European Union reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders," he said.

The Organisation 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, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Israeli rights group Peace Now reported late on Thursday that the government had taken the decision "secretly" in early April. The Palestinian Presidency's office condemned the plan as a "flagrant violation of international law". There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government, as per Al Jazeera.

The 34 settlements approved on Thursday come on top of 68 approved since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government came to power in 2022, Al Jazeera reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an Indian, I see this and can't help but think about our own territorial integrity issues. We understand the pain of illegal occupation. The international community must be consistent. If this is illegal in Palestine, it should be considered illegal everywhere. Full stop.
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Aman W
More than 100 new settlements since 2022? That's shocking. The secrecy mentioned is telling. The world is focused on other conflicts, and this government is exploiting that silence. The Palestinian civilians suffering from settler violence need protection, not just words. 🙏
S
Sarah B
While I agree with the condemnation, I wish our own government and others in the Global South would be more vocal. We often take a balanced stance, but some actions are just wrong. Peace cannot be built on occupied land. India's historical support for Palestine should guide a stronger response.
K
Karthik V
The ICJ already said it's unlawful in July. What's the point of these international bodies if their opinions are just ignored? It makes a mockery of the rules-based order. Strength comes from respecting law, not defying it. This path only leads to more instability.
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Nikhil C
A respectful criticism: The EU statement is correct, but it feels late and reactive. These 34 were approved "secretly" in early April. Where was the proactive diplomacy? Global powers need to anticipate and prevent these moves, not just condemn them after the fact. The cycle continues.

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