Four European Powers Urge Israel to Stop Settlement Expansion

France, Germany, Italy and Britain have called on Israel to halt the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank. In a joint statement, the four governments said Israeli settlement policies were undermining stability and the prospects for a two-state solution.

The countries warned that the situation in the West Bank had deteriorated significantly in recent months and that settler violence against Palestinians had reached unprecedented levels. They also called on Israel to ensure accountability for settler attacks and to investigate allegations against Israeli forces.

The statement also condemned the E1 settlement plan, which would bring around 3,400 new housing units to the occupied territories. The four governments described the project as a serious violation of international law and warned companies against participating in construction tenders linked to the settlements.

The statement followed a period of heightened tension between Europe and Israel after a video emerged showing Israeli forces detaining European activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla. Britain subsequently summoned Israel's most senior diplomat in the country, while Italy and Spain called on the EU to sanction Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

(english.aawsat, bak)