The European Union (EU) on Saturday reiterated its condemnation of Israel’s continued settlement expansion after the housing ministry in Tel Aviv earlier this week issued tenders to construct over 800 new settlement units in east Jerusalem.
“The policy of settlement construction and expansion in east Jerusalem continues to undermine the possibility of a viable two-state solution with Jerusalem as the future capital of both states which is the only realistic way to achieve a just and lasting peace” a statement from EU spokesperson Maja Kocijancic read.
The Israeli NGO Peace Now said last Thursday that Israel had issued tenders for the construction of 805 housing units in two Israeli neighborhoods beyond the Green Line in east Jerusalem — 460 units in Pisgat Ze’ev and 345 units in Ramot.
“The European Union is strongly opposed to Israel’s settlement policy including in east Jerusalem which is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. The EU will continue to engage with both parties and international and regional partners to support a resumption of a meaningful process towards a negotiated two-state solution.”
