EU slams Israel’s plans to set up new settlement units in al-Quds

Rasa - The European Union has denounced the Israeli regime’s plans to advance the construction of some “1,500 new settlement units” in the occupied East Jerusalem al-Quds, saying the controversial decision will “undermine” the so-called two-state solution.

News ID: 430850

Date: 08 July 2017 - 21:58

RNA - In a statement released on Friday, the EU further said it expected Tel Aviv “to reconsider these decisions.”

It also noted that the EU “expects both sides to engage in a meaningful process towards a negotiated two-state solution, the only way to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of both parties.”

The EU statement came a day after French President Emmanuel Macron also strongly criticized the Israeli move, which he said "threatened" the so-called two state solution.

“France has always condemned and continues to condemn the ongoing colonization process, which remains illegal with regards to international law,” he added during a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

On Monday, Israeli NGO Peace Now said in a report that the Israeli regime was planning to discuss the advancement of some 1,800 settlement units in the area.

After approval, the new units will become the first to be constructed since US President Donald Trump called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit settlement activities, and will also hinder the so-called peace talks.

Such construction constitutes a blatant violation of international law. The Geneva Conventions ban construction on occupied land. About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds.

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