EU, France condemn Israel over plans to build 1,300 new settlement homes

Heavy construction machines work in a construction site in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Yakir

Times of Israel staff write, “The European Union on Monday criticized Israel’s declaration that it will build over 1,300 new homes in West Bank settlements. “Settlements are illegal under international law and constitute a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between the parties,” the bloc said in a statement. “The European Union has consistently made clear that it will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by both sides.”

“We call upon the government of Israel to halt settlement construction and to not proceed with the announced tenders.”

“France also denounced the Israeli announcement. “France calls to halt any unilateral step that undermine the two-state solution, a solution based on agreed upon international parameters and that is the only one that has the ability to lead a just and sustainable peace in the region,” the French foreign ministry said.” The statements came a day after the Housing Ministry said that tenders had been published to build 1,355 new housing units in seven different settlements. The announcement was the first of its kind since US President Joe Biden — who has voiced his opposition to settlement expansion — took office in January.” (more…)

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