ROME: Italy, France, Britain and Germany have jointly urged Israel to stop expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning that continued construction and rising settler violence are undermining stability and damaging prospects for a future Palestinian state.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the four European powers called on the Israeli government to end settlement expansion, investigate allegations against Israeli forces and ensure accountability for violence committed by settlers against Palestinians.
The countries said the situation in the occupied West Bank had “deteriorated significantly” in recent months, with settler attacks reaching an “unprecedented levels.”
The statement strongly criticised Israel’s controversial E1 settlement project, which is expected to add around 3,400 housing units across a large area of the occupied territory.
Serious breach of international law
The European governments described the project as a “serious breach of international law” and warned businesses against participating in settlement construction, citing possible legal and reputational risks.
The four countries also called on Israel to remove financial restrictions imposed on the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian economy.
In addition, they voiced opposition to calls by some Israeli officials advocating annexation and the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the statement, calling it “an important step in the right direction,” while urging the international community to adopt practical measures to pressure Israel.
The diplomatic tensions come amid worsening European-Israeli relations following the circulation of a video showing European activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla being restrained in Israeli custody.
The footage, published by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, triggered criticism across Europe, with several countries pushing for stronger action against Israeli officials over the treatment of activists.
