Brussels, 03/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 2 September, the European Union condemned the new appropriation of land in the West Bank, relating to plans for further settlement expansion that were announced by the Israeli government on 31 August.
The spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on the Israeli authorities to reverse this decision and to engage “in good faith” towards lasting peace based on a two-state solution. Several foreign affairs ministers also deplored the Israeli decision. “This is a particularly ill-judged decision that comes at a time when the priority must be to build on the ceasefire in Gaza”, said UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, for example, who added that the decision “will do serious damage to Israel's standing in the international community”.
On Sunday 31 August, Israel decided to declare Israeli “State land” 400 hectares close to the Gav'ot settlement, around Bethlehem. The decision is reportedly in retaliation for the murder of three young Israelis in the sector in mid-June (see EUROPE 11112).
Ashton's spokesperson reiterated that the settlements were illegal under international law, that they present an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two state solution impossible. “The EU reiterates that it will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties”, Ashton's spokesperson added. (CG)