The Israeli security cabinet’s recent approval of **19 new settlements** in the occupied **West Bank** has drawn strong condemnation from several Western nations. A collective statement issued by **Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain,** and the **United Kingdom** expressed deep concerns regarding the implications of this decision.
According to the joint statement, these unilateral actions contribute to the **ongoing intensification** of settlement policies in the region, which are viewed as violations of international law. The nations emphasized that such expansions not only threaten to escalate instability but also undermine efforts related to the **Comprehensive Plan for Gaza** and hinder the potential for future peace initiatives.
The statement underscored a clear opposition to any form of annexation and emphasized the need to halt the expansion of settlements, including the controversial approval of the **E1 settlement** and thousands of new housing units. The countries involved called on Israel to reverse its decision, aligning with **United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334**, which calls for a cessation of such activities.
Support for Palestinian Rights and the Two-State Solution
The nations reaffirmed their commitment to the **Palestinians’ right to self-determination** and stressed the importance of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the **Two-State solution**. They highlighted that this framework should allow for the coexistence of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living peacefully side-by-side within secure and recognized borders.
The collective stance articulated by these nations reflects a longstanding commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through dialogue and negotiation. The emphasis on the **Two-State solution** indicates a shared belief that there is no viable alternative to achieving sustainable peace in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of developments in the West Bank, eager for actions that promote stability and uphold international law.
