Western nations warn Israel to end illegal settlement expansion, violence
Summary
Nine Western countries have called on Israel to stop building settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying these settlements break international law. They also condemned violence by settlers and warned companies not to work on settlement projects, especially in a sensitive area called E1 near East Jerusalem.Key Facts
- The countries involved are the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and the Netherlands.
- They say Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.
- Settler violence against Palestinians has increased to unprecedented levels recently.
- Israel plans to build thousands of new houses in the E1 area, which would connect a large settlement to East Jerusalem and split the West Bank.
- Over 700,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank.
- The statement warns companies not to bid on construction projects in settlements due to possible legal and reputational risks.
- The countries urge Israel to stop expanding settlements, investigate settler violence, respect Palestinian authorities, and maintain peace over Jerusalem’s holy sites.
- The statement followed recent criticism of Israel after videos showed harsh treatment of activists detained during a Gaza aid flotilla.
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