Israel’s security cabinet approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the West Bank earlier this week, with government ministers saying the settlements are part of efforts to block the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered violations of international law.
The move was proposed by Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, a settler, and defence minister Israel Katz.
A joint statement condemning the new settlements has been signed by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee.
The other countries who have signed the statement include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the UK.
“We recall that such unilateral actions, as part of a wider intensification of the settlement policies in the West Bank, not only violate international law but also risk fuelling instability,” the statement reads.
Getty Images/Yasin Demirci.
“They risk undermining the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza amid efforts to progress to phase 2 and harming prospects for long term peace and security across the region.
“We recall our clear opposition to any form of annexation and to the expansion of settlement policies, including the approval of the E1 settlement and thousands of new housing units.
“We call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements, in line with UNSC Resolution 2334.
“We are resolute in our support of Palestinians’ right of self-determination.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace and security within secure and recognised borders.
“We reaffirm that there is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution.”
Soldiers block roads and restrict Palestinian movement as illegal Israeli settlers carry out a raid in Hebron, the West Bank on December 20. Photo: Amer Shallodi via Getty
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Wednesday, December 24th
The approval increases the number of settlements in the West Bank by nearly 50pc during the current government’s tenure, from 141 in 2022 to 210, after the current approval, according to Peace Now, an anti-settlement watchdog group.
Israeli settlement building in the West Bank – part of the territory where Palestinians aim to establish a state – has accelerated under Netanyahu.
Speaking about the West Bank, Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz said: “Netanyahu’s government is a settlements government… it strives for action. If we can get sovereignty, we will bring about sovereignty… We are in the practical sovereignty era,” Katz said. “There are opportunities here that haven’t been here for a long time.”