The European Union (EU) has reiterated its firm position against Israel’s illegal settlements and expansion activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
This came in a statement released on Sunday by Josep Borrell EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy in response to Israel’s new expansion plan in the settlement of Givat Hamatos.
“I am deeply worried by the Israeli authorities’ decision to open the bidding process for the construction of housing units for an entirely new settlement at Givat Hamatos” Borrell said in his statement.
“This is a key location between Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. Any settlement construction will cause serious damage to the prospects for a viable and contiguous Palestinian State and more broadly to the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution in line with the internationally agreed parameters and with Jerusalem as the future capital of two states.”
“The EU has repeatedly called on Israel to end all settlement activity and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001. It remains the EU’s firm position that settlements are illegal under international law.”
“The announced settlement activity will lead to the continuing weakening of efforts to rebuild trust and confidence between the parties which is necessary for an eventual resumption of meaningful negotiations.”
“The government of Israel should instead show vision and responsibility and reverse these negative decisions at this critical and sensitive time.”
