EU criticises latest Israeli settlement moves in West Bank

Brussels (ANTARA) - The European Union on Friday voiced concern over Israel’s latest decision to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning that such measures would further undermine the viability of a two-state solution.

In a statement, the European External Action Service (EEAS) said Israel’s approval of significant new funding for settlement expansion would further entrench the settlement presence in sensitive areas of the West Bank while increasing the fragmentation and isolation of Palestinian communities, exposing them to greater risk of human rights violations.

The statement also reaffirmed the EU’s position of not recognising Israel’s decision to grant city status to the Givat Ze’ev settlement in the West Bank.

The bloc reiterated its long-held position of not recognising Israeli sovereignty over territories occupied since June 1967, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The statement called on Israel to refrain from further settlement expansion, the legalisation of illegal outposts, land confiscation, demolitions, evictions, and other unilateral actions which, it said, diminish the prospects for a two-state solution.