The European Union today reiterated its opposition to Israeli colonial settlement construction in the occupied territories. ‘In line with its long-standing strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy, the European Union is concerned by Israel’s announced plans to advance planning for more than 4,000 settlement units in the occupied West Bank at the end of June. The EU calls on Israel not to proceed with this,’ Peter Stano, Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated. ‘Settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten the viability of the two-state solution. The European Union is also concerned by changes adopted on 18 June by the Israeli government to the settlements’ planning and administration process, which will expedite the planning and approval of settlements,’ he added. ‘These unilateral steps go against the need to ensure calm and defuse tensions on the ground. The European Union remains supportive of the Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh communiques, and urges all parties to recommit themselves to de-escalation, and to pave the way towards a political horizon.’ The EU also voiced its strong concerns over the deadly Israeli military raid into Jenin refugee camp, which resulted in the killing of five Palestinians and wounding 91 others, including 23 in critical condition.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA