EU Denounces Israeli Settlement Expansion in Palestinian Lands

The European Union (EU) denounced the Israeli far-right minister's remarks about settlement expansion in Palestinian lands.

In a statement, EU Spokesperson Peter Stano said: "The European Union firmly condemns the announcement by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that over 800 hectares of land in the occupied Palestinian territory have been declared as ‘state lands’. This is the largest confiscation since the Oslo Accords."

He continued: "Settlements are a grave breach of international humanitarian law. At this week’s European Council, EU leaders condemned Israeli Government decisions to further expand illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank, urging Israel to reverse these decisions. In line with its longstanding common position and UN Security Council Resolutions, the EU will not recognize changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed by the parties."

In the same context, Stano affirmed the EU’s commitment to Israel’s security and to ensuring that the horrific attacks against Israeli civilians on 7 October will never be repeated.

He also noted that settlement expansion fuels tensions and undermines prospects for a two-state solution, which remains the only sustainable guarantee for the long-term security of both Israelis and Palestinians.