A coalition of leading European nations, alongside Japan, Iceland, Malta and others, has issued a sharp rebuke of Israel’s recent approval of 19 new settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank. The joint statement, released on Christmas Eve, underscores escalating international concern over Israel’s expansionist policies and their detrimental impact on regional stability and the prospects for a lasting peace agreement.
The declaration, signed by governments including Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom, directly accuses Israel of violating international law through these unilateral actions, characterizing them as part of a broader and intensifying pattern of settlement construction. The approved settlements, including the controversial E1 area, are deemed a significant impediment to the realization of a Gaza recovery plan and, critically, undermine any foreseeable path towards long-term peace and security throughout the region.
The signatories emphatically condemned all forms of annexation and the continued expansion of settlements, reiterating their demand that Israel reverse its decision and dismantle existing settlement infrastructure, specifically referencing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334. This resolution, which calls for a halt to settlement activity, has consistently been ignored by successive Israeli governments.
Beyond immediate condemnation, the statement reaffirmed a strong commitment to supporting the Palestinian right to self-determination and reiterated unwavering support for a two-state solution – a framework based on internationally recognized borders for both Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully and securely. The communique strongly asserted that this negotiated two-state solution remains the sole viable path forward, rejecting any alternative approaches.
The timing of the statement, released during a period of heightened regional tensions and fragile diplomatic efforts, is perceived by many analysts as a deliberate effort to pressure Israel to reconsider its settlement policies and to reaffirm the international community’s commitment to a just and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the efficacy of such diplomatic interventions remains a subject of ongoing debate, given Israel’s continued disregard for international condemnation.