Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The United Kingdom, together with Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and other international partners, has strongly condemned Israel’s recent approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Officials called for the decision to be reversed, stressing that adherence to international law is essential for achieving a lasting peace.
The settlements, approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet, have drawn criticism from multiple countries and international organizations. Settlement expansion in the West Bank and other occupied areas is widely regarded as a violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its civilian population into occupied territory.
In a joint statement, the countries emphasized that settlement activity undermines the prospects for a two-state solution and fuels tensions in an already volatile region. They urged all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate conflict and to work toward negotiations that respect the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional concern over developments in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with Palestinians warning that continued settlement growth threatens the viability of an independent Palestinian state. The international community has consistently called for renewed dialogue and a commitment to a negotiated resolution that upholds international norms and human rights.
While Israel maintains that its settlements are legitimate, the international coalition stressed that unilateral actions risk further destabilizing the region and impede the path to peace. The United Kingdom and its partners reiterated their commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts that can lead to a sustainable and just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
