EU Condemns Israel's Plan for More Than 30 New Settlements in Occupied West Bank as Illegal

BRUSSELS (Afghan Verified) -- The European Union strongly condemned Israel's decision to establish more than 30 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the move illegal under international law and a serious setback to peace efforts.

In a statement issued on Friday by the EU's foreign policy arm, the bloc urged Israel to immediately reverse the settlement expansions, which also encompass areas in East Jerusalem. The EU emphasized that such actions gravely threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state.

"These settlement decisions represent a major blow to the two-state solution, which remains the EU's strategic objective and the only path to lasting stability," the statement said.

The EU also highlighted the rising violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, condemning the attacks and calling for full accountability as well as enhanced protection for Palestinians.

The bloc's position aligns with the international consensus that Israeli settlements violate United Nations Security Council resolutions and international humanitarian law.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell's office issued the statement in response to Israel's recent approval of the new settlements, amid ongoing tensions in the region. The EU reiterated its commitment to supporting a negotiated two-state solution based on 1967 borders with mutually agreed land swaps.