EU slams new Israeli plans to expand settlements in East Jerusalem

Brussels The European Union on Saturday strongly criticized Israeli plans to expand settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, which it said would undermine the viability of the two-state solution.

Israel published on Friday tenders for over 800 settlement units in the settlements of Ramot and Pisgat Zeev in occupied East Jerusalem.

The policy of settlement construction and expansion in East Jerusalem continues to undermine the possibility of a viable two-state solution with Jerusalem as the future capital of both states, which is the only realistic way to achieve a just and lasting peace, according to a statement by the EU spokesperson.

The European Union is strongly opposed to Israel’s settlement policy, including in East Jerusalem, which is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. The EU will continue to engage with both parties and with its international and regional partners to support a resumption of a meaningful process towards a negotiated two-state solution, concluded the statement.

Source: International Islamic News Agency