The European Council has strongly condemned the Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s announcement regarding the construction of new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the European Council remarked that “the announcement by the Israeli Finance Minister to legalize five settlement sites in the occupied Palestinian territories is another deliberate attempt to undermine peace efforts.”
European Union leaders denounced the Israeli government’s decisions to expand illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank during a Council meeting, urging Israel to reverse these decisions.
The statement reiterated that, in line with the European Council’s long-standing position and United Nations Security Council resolutions, the EU will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed upon by both parties.
The European Council emphasized the need to halt actions that weaken the Palestinian Authority, calling on Israel to release withheld clearance revenues and take necessary measures to ensure the continuation of correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks.
The European Council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, advocating for a two-state solution with Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state.
The statement concluded with a call for Palestine and Israel to live side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.
