EU condemns expansion of 'illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank'

• Published date: 24 March 2024
• Author: EVE YOUNG
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"The European Union firmly condemns the announcement by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that over 800 hectares of land in the occupied Palestinian territory have been declared as 'state lands.'

This is the largest confiscation since the Oslo Accords," read the condemnation.

The EU refuses to recognize changes to border

The EU reaffirmed that, in line with its longstanding position, it will not recognize changes to the 1967 borders that are not agreed upon by the parties involved.

"Settlements are a grave breach of international humanitarian law," the statement went on, adding that EU leaders condemned the decision to "further expand illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank" and urged Israel to reverse the decision.

The EU went on to condemn Hamas and reaffirm its commitment to Israel's security, saying that its position against Israeli expansion "goes hand in hand" with this commitment and with "ensuring that the horrific attacks against Israeli civilians on 7 October will never be repeated."

"Settlement expansion runs counter to this objective. It fuels tensions and undermines prospects for a...