Egypt Welcomes Belgium's Ban on Settlement Goods, Urges EU-Wide Action

Egypt has welcomed Belgium's decision to ban the import of goods and products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling on other European Union member states to adopt similar legal measures.

In a statement on Sunday, Egypt said Belgium's move represents an important step toward upholding international law and urged all EU countries to take legal action to prohibit products from Israeli settlements.

Cairo reiterated its longstanding position that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law and undermine efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Egypt also affirmed that lasting security and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation.

"There can be no security or peace in the Middle East without ending the occupation," Egypt said, reaffirming its support for a two-state solution based on international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions.

This comes amid continued international debate over the legal status of Israeli settlements and growing calls in several European countries for stronger measures to distinguish settlement products from those originating within Israel's internationally recognized borders.