14 States Condemn Zionist Entity’s Approval of 19 New Settlements in Occupied West Bank
Fourteen countries on Wednesday issued strong condemnations of the Zionist entity’s decision to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning that the move violates international law and poses a serious threat to prospects for peace in the region. The joint stance reflects growing international concern over what the signatories described as an intensification of unilateral settlement policies that risk further destabilizing an already volatile situation.
In a joint statement, the governments of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Japan said the approval of new settlements “not only violates international law but also risks fueling instability.” They cautioned that the decision could undermine the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza as efforts continue to move toward its second phase, while also jeopardizing long-term peace and security across the Middle East.
The signatory states reiterated their firm opposition to annexation and settlement expansion, including plans linked to the E1 settlement area and the authorization of thousands of additional housing units. Calling on the zionist entity to reverse its decision and halt settlement activity in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2334, the countries reaffirmed their support for Palestinian self-determination and renewed their commitment to a negotiated political solution, stressing that there is no alternative to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
