14 Countries Slam Israel’s Approval of New West Bank Settlements, Cite International Law Violations

Fourteen countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan, have jointly condemned Israel’s decision to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, describing the move as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.

In a joint statement shared by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the countries said the decision by Israel’s security cabinet marked an intensification of settlement policies that undermine prospects for peace.

“We, the States of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom, condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank,” the statement said.

The countries warned that such unilateral actions not only breach international law but also risk fuelling further instability. They said the expansion of settlements could undermine the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza, particularly efforts to move toward the second phase, while damaging prospects for long-term peace and security across the region.

Reiterating their long-standing position, the signatories expressed firm opposition to any form of annexation and to the expansion of Israeli settlement activity, including plans such as the E1 settlement and the approval of thousands of new housing units.

“We call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2334,” the statement added.

The countries also reaffirmed their support for the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-state solution.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace and security within secure and recognised borders,” the statement said, adding that there was no alternative to a negotiated settlement.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing conflict that began on October 7, 2023, Israel’s military on Thursday issued new eviction orders for Palestinian residents living east of the al-Tuffah neighbourhood in Gaza City. According to Palestinian news agency WAFA, the orders have triggered large-scale displacement, with hundreds of families beginning to move westward.

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