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The Guardian World1 min read
Western nations warn Israel to end illegal settlement expansion, violence
TL;DR
Nine Western nations have called on Israel to halt its settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, condemning settler violence and warning construction companies against bidding for tenders. They stated that these actions violate international law and threaten the prospects for a two-state solution.
Key points
- Nine Western countries urge Israel to stop settlement expansion
- Settler violence in the West Bank is at unprecedented levels
- Settlements violate international law according to the joint statement
- Israeli government policies undermine stability and peace prospects
- Israel approved a plan to claim Palestinian land as state property
Mentioned in this story
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Nine Western countries have urged Israel to stop expanding its settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a joint statement that also condemns settler violence and warns construction companies not to bid for tenders.
In a joint statement on Friday, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands emphasised that such settlements violate international law.
“Over the past few months, the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated significantly. Settler violence is at 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.
Human rights groups say Israeli authorities have allowed the settlers to operate with total impunity in their attacks against Palestinians.
In February, Israel approved a plan to claim large areas of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank as “state property”.
More than 700,000 Israelis live in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
“International law is clear: Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. Construction projects in the E1 area would be no exception,” the statement read, adding that development would divide the occupied West Bank in two and mark a serious breach of international law.
The plan to build thousands of new housing units in the E1 area, east of occupied East Jerusalem, would link the large and illegal Ma’ale Adumim settlement with Jerusalem, effectively bisecting the West Bank and isolating Palestinian communities. It would also be spread over 12 square kilometres (4.6 square miles).
“Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments. 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,” the statement said.
Q&A
Which countries issued a warning to Israel regarding settlement expansion?
The warning was issued by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and the Netherlands.
What are the consequences of Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank?
The expansion is seen as a violation of international law and undermines stability, threatening the prospects for a two-state solution.
What has been the recent trend in settler violence in the West Bank?
Settler violence in the West Bank has reached unprecedented levels, according to the joint statement from the Western nations.
What actions did Israel take regarding Palestinian land in February?
In February, Israel approved a plan to claim large areas of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank as 'state property.'
