Joint statement warns move violates international law, risks regional stability, undermines prospects for a two-state solution. However, hours earlier, Israel’s defence minister vows continued offensives in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, Yemen
By Beyza Binnur Donmez, Abdel Ra’ouf Arnaout and Rania Abu Shamala
Fourteen European states on Wednesday condemned Israel’s approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning the decision violates international law and threatens prospects for peace in the region.
In a joint statement, the governments of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and Japan said such unilateral actions, carried out as part of an intensification of settlement policies, “not only violate international law but also risk fueling instability.” Many of these states have traditionally supported Israel in their genocide, and it remains to be seen if their statement has any impact on the continued genocide by Israel despite a so-called ceasefire.
The countries warned that the decision could undermine the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza as efforts continue to move to phase two, while also harming long-term peace and security across the region.
The signatories reiterated their opposition to annexation and settlement expansion, including plans linked to the E1 settlement area and the approval of thousands of new housing units.
They called on Israel to reverse the decision and halt settlement expansion “in line with UNSC (UN Security Council) Resolution 2334.” Historically, Israel has ignored UN resolutions, and had backing from several Western allies.
The statement reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and renewed commitment to a negotiated political solution. The countries said they remain committed to “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution,” stressing that “there is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution” in which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security within recognized borders.
Meanwhile, hours earlier Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to continue military offensives in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen.
Israel “will continue its operations in Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and Yemen,” Maariv daily quoted Katz as saying during a training course for Israeli Air Force pilots, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
“In Lebanon, we will continue to apply maximum force against Hezbollah; in Syria, Israel will not withdraw from Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) and the security zone; and in the Gaza Strip, Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas and disarming the territory,” he added.
“As for Yemen, Israel will continue its operations to prevent the Houthis from strengthening their capabilities,” he said.
Addressing its conflict with Tehran, Katz claimed that Israel had inflicted “significant damage on Iran’s nuclear and strategic capabilities.”
“I am following reports regarding Iran, which we struck strongly in cooperation with our American partners, and the security establishment is closely monitoring developments. Naturally, I cannot provide further details,” he added.
The Israeli army has launched a brutal offensive in Gaza, killing more than 71,000 people, mostly women and children, and injuring over 171,000 others since October 2023. The assault fueled regional tensions and sparked an exchange of attacks with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen’s Houthis. The Israeli army also launched a 12-day war on Iran in June, which was halted under a US-sponsored ceasefire.
Tel Aviv also staged repeated cross-border raids into Syrian territory and launched airstrikes, killing civilians and destroying Syrian military sites, vehicles, weapons, and ammunition. – Anadulo Agency.
