MADRID: The foreign ministries of France and Spain have condemned the Israeli government’s intention to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, urging Tel Aviv to reverse its decision.
France strongly denounced the recent approval by Israeli authorities to construct approximately 3,500 new housing units in West Bank settlements, labeling the move as “unacceptable, illegal, and irresponsible.” Paris called for an immediate reversal of the decision, emphasizing that the expansion of settlements constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and undermines efforts towards a two-state solution.
Spain Strongly Condemns Israeli Settlements
Meanwhile, Spain’s foreign ministry expressed strong condemnation towards the approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank, urging Tel Aviv to reverse the measure. Madrid emphasized that settlements violate international law, impede the possibility of achieving a two-state solution, and hinder the prospects for peace in the region.
The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, echoed these sentiments, warning that the establishment and expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories amount to “war crimes” and could eliminate any practical chance of establishing a viable Palestinian state.
