Western nations warn Israel to end illegal settlement expansion, violence

Nine Western countries urged Israel to stop expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, stating that the settlements violate international law. The statement condemned settler violence as at unprecedented levels and warned that Israeli government policies and practices further entrench control, undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution. Human rights groups say Israeli authorities have allowed settlers to attack Palestinians with total impunity. Israel approved a plan in February to claim large areas of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank as state property. More than 700,000 Israelis live in illegal settlements. The countries warned that construction in the E1 area would divide the West Bank, link Ma'ale Adumim to Jerusalem, isolate Palestinian communities, and breach international law. Businesses were told not to bid for E1 or other settlement tenders due to legal and reputational consequences.

"Nine Western countries urged Israel to stop expanding its settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a joint statement that also condemns settler violence and warns construction companies not to bid for tenders. In a joint statement on Friday, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands emphasised that such settlements violate international law."

"Over the past few months, the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated significantly. Settler violence is at unprecedented levels. The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including a further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution, the statement said. Human rights groups say Israeli authorities have allowed the settlers to operate with total impunity in their attacks against Palestinians."

"International law is clear: Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. Construction projects in the E1 area would be no exception, the statement read, adding that development would divide the occupied West Bank in two and mark a serious breach of international law. The plan to build thousands of new housing units in the E1 area, east of occupied East Jerusalem, would link the large and illegal Ma'ale Adumim settlement with Jerusalem, effectively bisecting the West Bank and isolating Palestinian communities."

"It would also be spread over 12 square kilometres (4.6 square miles). Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences of particip"

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