European powers urge Israel to halt settlement expansion in West Bank

Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, on Friday, May 22, urged Israel to halt the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, warning that such actions are “undermining stability” and damaging the prospects for a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the statement as an “important step.”

In a joint statement, cited by foreign media, the four countries said: “We call on the government of Israel to end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence and investigate allegations against Israeli forces.”

They added that the situation in the West Bank has “deteriorated significantly” in recent months, with settler violence against Palestinians reaching “unprecedented levels.”

“The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including a further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution,” the statement said.

The countries also condemned Israel’s E1 settlement plan — a construction project expected to include around 3,400 housing units across 12 square kilometres in the West Bank — describing it as a “serious breach of international law.”

“Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments,” the statement said. “They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences of participating in settlement construction, including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.”

In addition, the four countries called on Israel to lift financial restrictions imposed on the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian economy. They stated that they “strongly oppose those, including members of the Israeli government, who argue for annexation and forcible displacement of the Palestinian population.”

The Palestinian Authority welcomed the joint statement, calling it “an important step in the right direction,” and urged the introduction of “serious and effective mechanisms to translate these important positions into concrete steps” to increase pressure on Israel.

By Tamilla Hasanova